MAKING ENDS MEET

RESOURCE AND INFORMATION GUIDE 2020

LOW INCOME GUIDE ii

‘MAKING ENDS MEET’

LOW INCOME RESOURCE AND INFORMATION GUIDE

Produced by Casey North Community Information & Support Service & Cranbourne Information & Support Service.

Proudly supported by

City of Communities For Casey Children

(20th Edition) October 2019

LOW INCOME GUIDE i

Introduction

This is the 20th edition of ‘Making Ends Meet’, the success of this project continues as all copies of previous editions have found their way into the local community.

This information and resource guide has been compiled to assist people who do not have a particularly high income, manage to survive on a tight budget.

The guide is an initiative of Casey North Community Information & Support Service, as many of the people presenting to that service were not aware of services and resources available to them that could make life that much easier.

Casey North Community Information & Support Service and Cranbourne Information and Support Service combined forces to develop a resource that would be useful to all households in the City of Casey, but particularly for those households on a low income.

The information contained in the guide is aimed at providing the most up to date information possible to enable people to access free or low cost services available to them. There are also tips and advice on ways that your budget may be stretched further, and low cost alternatives for things to do with your family and friends.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in the guide is correct at the time of printing, however we recognise that as soon as such a document is published details can change.

If there is something that we have forgotten, something we have got wrong or some information that you would find useful in future editions? Please let us know by completing the form at the rear of the guide. Residents are also invited to send comments, ideas or useful information that they may have for further editions to the Information and Support Services.

Each year the guide is updated with the assistance of our wonderful volunteers. We take this opportunity to thank them for their time and efforts.

This guide and others we produce are also available on our website. In addition to the information that we provide in the guides each year, we also have a range of community information on our social media sites. These sites are updated very regularly and we encourage you to check them out for the most up to date information available. See links under our entries on page 1.

Susan Magee Executive Officer

ii LOW INCOME GUIDE CONTENTS

Introduction ii Emergency Contact Numbers iv

Information & Support Services 1

Free Internet Access 1

Managing Your Money 2

Shopping 5

Economising on the road and in the home 7

Services & Resources 9

Community Centres 10

Complaints and Disputes 11

Cultural Specific 13

Disability 16

Drug & Alcohol 19

Employment, Education & Income 20

Health 24

Housing 27

Legal 30

Seniors 32

Services for Women 33

Services for Men 34

Support Services 34

Welfare and General Services 38

Youth Services 41

Other Services 42

Things to do 43

Volunteering 47

Local Politicians 48

Casey at a Glance 50

Index 55

LOW INCOME GUIDE iii IMPORTANT NUMBERS

Emergency Services

Ambulance 000 Gas & Fuel (Leaks) 13 29 73 South East Water (Water & Sewerage) 13 28 12 Fire Brigade 000 City of Casey 03 9705 5200 Police 000 (Hearing Impaired TTY Line) 03 9705 5568 Cranbourne Police Station 03 5991 0600 Emergency outside normal working hours 03 9705 5200 Dandenong Police Station 03 9767 7444 Telephone Narre Warren Police Station 03 9705 3111 Interpreter Endeavour Hills Police Station 03 9709 7666 Service 13 14 50

Hospitals

Casey Hospital 03 8768 1200 Victorian Poisons Information Dandenong Public 03 9554 1000 Centre

Monash Medical Centre Clayton 03 9594 6666 Austin Hospital Monash Medical Centre Moorabbin 03 9928 8111 145 Studley Road South Eastern Private Hospital 03 9549 6555 PO Box 5555 St John of God Berwick 03 9709 1414 Heidelberg 3084 Valley Private Hospital 03 9790 9333 Phone: 13 1126 www.austin.org.au/poisons Suicide Help Line 1300 651 251 Lifeline (24 hours) 13 11 14 Provides information and advice on treatments for drug (Hearing Impaired TTY Line) 03 9662 9030 overdoses and poisoning. Sexual Assault Crisis Line 1800 806 292

Here are some helpful hints and tips to manage poisoning. These are the signs you need to look out for.

Some signs and symptoms of poisoning include: • Danger — abdominal pain • Response — drowsiness • Airway — nausea/vomiting • Breathing • CPR — burning pains from mouth to stomach • Defibrillation — difficulty breathing — tight chest If the Casualty is conscious: — blurred vision 1. Check for Danger — odours of breath 2. Listen to casualty, provide reassurance to the child, but not advice — change in skin colour with blueness around lips 3. Determine the nature of the poisoning ie: try to — sudden collapse determine the type of poison taken and record it 4. Call 000 for an Ambulance Be warned, do not attempt to induce vomiting unless 5. Call 13 11 26 for Poisons information Centre advised by the Poisons Information Centre. These safety tips are no substitute for first aid If the Casualty is unconscious: knowledge, and the best way to be prepared is to complete a first aid course. 1. Follow St John Action Plan - DRABCD and call for an ambulance St John Ambulance Australia (Victoria)

iv LOW INCOME GUIDE INFORMATION & SUPPORT SERVICES

The City of Casey funds two Information and Support • No Interest Loan Scheme Services (formerly known as Citizens Advice Bureaus or • Tax Help CABs) to assist residents across the Municipality. Casey • Advocacy and Support North Community Information & Support Service is based • Emergency Relief at Narre Warren and assists all residents in the North of • Financial Counselling the Municipality (previously City of Berwick), and • Outreach Services Cranbourne Information and Support Service is based at Cranbourne and assists all residents in the South of the If there is any information or service that you require and Municipality (previously Shire of Cranbourne). you can not find it in this guide, contact your local As the title suggests, these centres provide a wide range of Information & Support Service and they will assist you to community information and support services to assist the locate that information. local community. There is also a variety of other support services that provide outreach services from the centres.

Casey North Community Information &

Support Service È Suite 2, 30-32 Verdun Dve Narre Warren VIC 3805 Phone: 9705 6699 Fax: 9705 6794 Email: [email protected] www.caseynorthciss.com.au È Facebook: facebook.com/caseynorthciss È Twitter: twitter.com/cnciss Pinterest: www.pinterest.com.au/caseynorthciss Services available: Wide range of information on community and local services, FREE INTERNET • Information in a range of different languages • Counselling and Social Work services ACCESS • No Interest Loan Scheme Many of the services listed in this guide have internet web • AddsUp Savings Plan sites that you can access to get more information. Here is • Financial Counselling a list of places where you can access the internet free of • Tax Help charge; • Advocacy and Support Berwick Library • Emergency Relief 15 High Street, Berwick 3806 • Financial Literacy & Support Program Phone: 9707 3519 • Keeping It Together Program Doveton Library Endeavour Hills Libracy • Legal Service 28 Autumn Place Raymond McMahon Boulevard Cranbourne Information & Support Service Doveton 3177 Endeavour Hills 3802 Phone: 9792 9497 Phone: 8782 3400 156 Sladen Street, Cranbourne 3977 È P.O. Box 5263, Cranbourne 3977 Hampton Park Library Narre Warren Library Phone: 5996 3333 22-26 Stuart Ave Bunjil Place Fax: 5996 3608 Hampton Park 3976 2 Patrick Northeast Drive www.cranbourneiss.org.au Phone: 8788 8500 Narre Warren 3805 email: [email protected] Phone: 8782 3300 Cranbourne Library

È Facebook: facebook.com/cranbourneiss Berwick-Cranbourne Rd Pakenham Library Services available: Cranbourne 3977 Cardinia Mobile Library Wide range of information on community and local services, Phone: 5990 0150 Cnr John & Henry Sts • Counselling services Pakenha 3810 Phone: 5940 6200

LOW INCOME GUIDE 1 MANAGING YOUR MONEY

Budgeting Concessions One of the first steps toward becoming financially fit is If you have a health care card, pension card or seniors to start a Budget. A budget can give you a snapshot card you may be eligible for concessions on services such of where your money goes or sometimes where it’s not as electricity, gas, water and council rates. There maybe going. several other concessions you are entitled to as well, check with the Department of Human Services 1300 650 172 Budgeting helps you take control of your money. It can or www.dhs.vic.gov.au/for-individuals/financial- reduce stress and anxiety around money issues and help support/concessions. you achieve your financial goals. Ensure that your expenditure does not exceed your Utility Relief Grant income, in other words spend less than you earn. The Utility Relief Grant is for eligible cardholders who are Try the budget worksheet on the next page or go to the unable to pay their mains electricity, gas or water bill due excel worksheet on the Casey North CISS Debt page to a temporary financial crisis. The amount of the grant www.caseynorthciss.com.au/debt-management. is based on the balance owing at the time of application If you would like assistance starting a budget or have and is capped at six months’ worth of usage up to a any queries, contact Casey North CISS to speak with a maximum of $500. This grant does not have to be paid Financial Counsellor 9705 6699 or back. This grant is available to both private renters and [email protected] home owners. Speak to your utility company to apply.

Organising your bills Rates You don’t have to wait until you receive your bills to start Did you know that you can pay your rates weekly, paying them. fortnightly or monthly? Paying your rates on a more regular basis can save you the stress of having to find the A great way to stay on top of your bills is to pay them on money to pay it every quarter. a regular basis, for example; if you are paid fortnightly then pay your bills fortnightly. Your council can average your future yearly rates charges and organise a payment plan for you, this way your rates Ask your utility company to set up a fortnightly payment will always be paid on time. arrangement. They will work out the total of your bills over the past year and divide the total into 26 fortnightly If you experience any financial difficulties and have payments. trouble paying your rates make sure you call the council to request hardship assistance. This can apply to all of your bills e.g.. home phone/ internet, mobiles, loans, credit cards, home loan, rates Don’t forget you can use your pension card to obtain a and school camps/fees. concession on your rates.

Bill payment methods Self-Education There are several options to pay your bills. www.moneysmart.gov.au Government website with advice on budgeting, banking, • Post office using a bill or payment card scams, staying safe on-line, plus more. Get your money • BPAY over the phone or internet banking back on track. • Automatic reoccurring transfers via internet banking • Centrepay • Direct Debit

Think before you buy Before you make any large purchases such as a car, TV or mobile phone, it can be a good idea to check your budget first to see if you can afford it.

2 LOW INCOME GUIDE Budget Worksheet

Analyse your spending habits by completing this budget worksheet. Some items may not apply to you, ignore these and add your own.

Fortnightly Income & Expenditure Worksheet

Income Education Wages School Fees Centrelink School Clothes Newstart Excursions & Camps Age Pension Books Carer Payment Childcare/Kinder Dis. Support Pension Parenting Pmt (couple) Medical expenses Parenting Pmt (single) Private Health Special Benefit Specialist/medical Youth Allowance Optical Family Payment Dental Rent assistance Chemist/Other Workcover TAC Personal/other expenses Board Clothing Child Support Recreation e.g. kids sports Redundancy Pets e.g. registration, flea/worm Other Cigarettes/Alcohol Total Income Pay TV Gambling eg; tatts, pokies Expenditure Movies/DVD's etc Household expenses Birthdays Rent/Mortgage Celebrations e.g. Christmas, Eid Rates Holidays Maint. eg: garden/repair Haircuts Gas Newspapers/mags Electricity Coffees-takeaway, work lunches etc Water Pocket money Home phone/Internet Donations Mobile Take away/eating out Mobile Grooming/Makeup Fortnightly Shopping Other

Transport expenses Savings Fares Super contributions Fuel Savings Car maintenance Christmas club Registration Holiday savings Etag/daypass RACV roadside assist Total Expenditure Income Less Expenditure

Insurance Debts Repayments Amount Payment House Car Loan Contents Personal Loan Car Credit card 1 Income protection Credit card 2 Life Credit card 3 Mortgage Fines Ambulance Centrelink Other Centrelink Total Debts/Payments

Income Less Expenditure & Repayments

LOW INCOME GUIDE 3 CONSUMER CREDIT & FINANCIAL COUNSELLING

There are many forms of credit available to consumers such as credit cards, bank loans, short term lenders, store credit cards, finance company loans etc. Obtaining credit at any time should only be done after careful consideration and only after completing a budget. Your personal budget will tell you whether you can afford any loan repayments. Important points to consider before entering into any form of credit. • Credit is NOT a way of buying what you cannot afford. A budget helps you plan and ensure that you really can afford repayments. • Credit is NOT unlimited. If you keep using credit, you will quickly find that you cannot afford the repayments. • Credit is NOT free. It is a service that you pay for. be aware of interest rates and charges and what this means in dollar terms. Shop around for the best deal. BEWARE OF Money Help • Pay day loans Free telephone financial counselling for Victorians • Rent to buy Ph: 1800 007 007 • Buy now pay later www.moneyhelp.org.au • Mobile phone deals Take the time to read the fine print, don’t feel pressured to Financial Counselling Southern (FCS) enter into a contract on the spot, take it home and look 28 Parkhill Drive, over it. Again, check your budget before entering into a Berwick 3806 and contract. 140-154 Sladen St, If you are experiencing trouble paying your debts seek Cranbourne 3977 assistance early by contacting your creditor or a free For Appointments phone: 9549 5288 Financial Counsellor. Consumer Affairs Victoria Financial Counselling 113 Exhibition Street, Melbourne 3000 Financial Counsellors are qualified professionals trained Helpline: 1300 558 181 specifically to work with people experiencing financial 46-50 Walker St, Dandenong 3175 difficulties. Financial Counselling is a free and confidential Phone: 03 8765 5222 service and can assist with the following; Hours of operation, Monday-Friday 9am-5pm • Debt collection issues Consumer Affairs Vic provides information about consumer • Overdue bills/utilities debts • Budgeting rights and responsibilities including contracts. • Mortgage stress/difficulties Consumer Action Law Centre • Credit card debt Level 7, 459 Lt Collins St, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000. • Car loans Legal Advice Line: 03 9629 6300 or 1300 881 020 • Fines, payment arrangements • Centrelink debt Email: [email protected] • Bankruptcy As a community legal centre, Consumer Action provides • Council rates free legal advice and representation to vulnerable and • Payday lenders disadvantaged consumers across Victoria, and is the • Your rights and responsibilities largest specialist consumer legal practice in Australia. As Casey North CISS – Financial Counselling well as working with consumers directly, Consumer Action Suite 2, 30-32 Verdun Dve provides legal assistance and professional training to Narre Warren VIC 3805 community workers who advocate on behalf of consumers. Ph: 9705 6699 Credit Report Email: [email protected] A free copy of your credit can be obtained from the www.caseynorthciss.com.au following Cranbourne ISS – Financial Counselling 156 Sladen Street, Dun & Bradstreet www.dnb.com.auVeda Cranbourne 3977 Advantage www.mycreditfile.com.au Ph: 5996 3333 Experian www.experian.com.au Email: [email protected] www.cranbourneiss.org.au

4 LOW INCOME GUIDE Credit alternatives Vinnies Cranbourne 2/218 High St, Cranbourne 3977 There are some alternatives to using credit cards, payday lenders and buy now pay later that offer no interest or low interest credit. Ph: 5996 3926 No Interest Loan Scheme Cranbourne Red Cross The No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) offers people on low incomes flexible 94 High St, Cranbourne 3977 and affordable credit from $200 up to $1,500 for the purchase of basic Ph: 5996 8436 household items, some medical expenses, education expenses, car Epilepsy Op Shop registration or repairs, vet bills and more. 10 Lurline St, Cranbourne 3977 NILS aims to provide those in the community on low incomes the ability Ph: 5995 2369 to access credit without the burden of fees and high interest charges in a Blackburn Square friendly and supportive environment. Narre Warren 3805 Eligibility criteria applies - Call for more info Ph: 8712 6582 Casey North CISS 9705 6699 Cranbourne ISS 5996 3333 Salvos Access www.goodshepherdmicrofinance.org.au/services/no- 108 Camms Rd, Cranbourne 3977 interest-loan-scheme-nils Ph: 5995 1433 StepUP Loan Hampton Park Salvos The StepUp loan offers a safe low interest loan from $800 and up to Shops 31 & 32 $3000 for personal, domestic or household purposes. Hampton Park Shopping Square Loans can be used for white goods, cars, computers, furniture, medical Somerville Rd, Hampton Park 3976 expenses and house repairs. Ph: 9799 8767 Eligibility criteria applies Oz Child Dandenong 9791 8344 2/90 Somerville Rd, Hampton Park VIC www.goodshepherdmicrofinance.org.au/services/stepup-low-interest-loans Ph: 9799 4087 Warren Op Shop SHOPPING ON A SHOE 4A Malcolm Crt, Narre Warren 3805 Ph: 9796 7144 STRING BUDGET Narre Warren Salvos LOCAL OPPORTUNITY SHOPS 3 Webb St, Narre Warren 3805 Ph: 9796 7836 Berwick Op Shop Savers 3a Clyde Rd, Berwick 3806 Westfield Fountain Gate Ph: 9707 1745 Homemaker Centre Berwick Red Cross Shop 352 Princes Hwy, Fountain Gate 3805 7 Adams Lane, Berwick 3806 Ph: 9703 0000 Ph: 9796 4177 The Casey Outreach Op Shop 350-352 Pound Road, Beaconsfield Salvos Narre Warren South 3805 Shop 2/7 Beaconsfield Emerald Rd, Beaconsfield 3807 Ph: 9704 8903 Ph: 9796 2389 Narre North Uniting Church Cranbourne Salvos Op Shop Homemaker Centre 1-13 Main Street, 10A/350 Gippsland Hwy, Cranbourne North 3977 Narre Warren North 3804 Ph: 5995 7487 Ph: 9700 5061 The Hope Centre 40 Intrepid Street, Berwick 3806 Open: Thurs, Fri & Sat Ph: 9796 1006

LOW INCOME GUIDE 5 SHOPPING ON A SHOE STRING BUDGET

MARKET SHOPPING Supermarket Shopping Savings

Shopping at your local market can prove to be money Below are a few tips for decreasing your grocery bill. saving and fun. Produce markets provide fresh food at much cheaper prices than the local shops or supermarkets. • Write a shopping list, going shopping without a If you have things that you wish to sell at the market you shopping can lead to spending on items that you don’t really need. generally need to book a stall in advance. You could call • Plan your meal for the week ahead so you know your local council to find out which markets are on when exactly what you need to buy and where. • Try to shop only once a week, going to the shops These are some of the regular markets that you can everyday usually costs a lot more find locally. • Shopping when hungry can lead to buying unnecessary goods Akoonah Park Market • Buy home brand and other less expensive brands, Cnr Cardinia Street & Princes Highway as often the product is the same Berwick 3806 • When supermarkets are located close to each other, Phone: 9796 1455 the costs are usually cheaper every Sunday 8:30am – 1:30pm • Check the cost of the item per 100 grams, ml or 1kg, Dandenong Market this can lead to big savings e.g. Shampoo A $7.95 per 100 ml Shampoo B $2.50 per 100 ml. The Clow Street shampoos may otherwise be very similar however you Dandenong 3175 pay more for the brand. Phone: 9701 3850 • Some supermarkets have market days where fruit every Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday and veg is reduced, ask your local supermarket Dandenong Trash & Treasure Grocery Cop 115 South Gippsland Highway Grocery Cop is an online grocery comparison website. Dandenong 3175 They compare individual items and baskets of groceries to Phone: 9791 2992 show you which supermarket is the cheapest to shop at! every Sunday 8am-2pm www.grocerycop.com.au Casey-Berwick Farmers Market Save Money by Buying Second Hand Online The Old Cheese Factory www.ebay.com.au 34 Homestead Road www.gumtree.com.au Berwick 3806 www.tradingpost.com.au The 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month Refer to pg. 23 for school purchase saving websites 8.00am - 12.30pm You may find many other sites with an online search. Pearcedale Market Garage sales are a great way to purchase second hand at the Pearcedale Community Centre goods, check your local paper for times and places. 710 Baxter-Tooradin Road The Garage Trail Sale is an annual country wide event. It is 8am - Noon, 3rd Saturday of the month one big day of buying and selling second hand goods. Contact: 0425 794 941 www.garagesaletrail.com.au Tooradin Market The Island, Tooradin Foreshore 3rd Sunday each month, 9am - 1pm (May - Aug) 8am - 2pm (Sept - April) Enquiries: 0429 188 280

6 LOW INCOME GUIDE SAVE MONEY IN THE HOME & ON THE ROAD

TIPS TO REDUCE ENERGY & 10 TIPS TO REDUCE FUEL COSTS WATER COSTS Energy and water costs have been increasing and while The more fuel your car uses, the more it impacts on the we can’t do much about this we can make a difference to environment. Following these 10 tips will reduce your fuel our energy usage to reduce overall costs. It’s also great costs, air pollution and greenhouse gases. for the environment. 1. accelerate gently Set your thermostat - You can save money by keeping the Avoid high revs. Don’t rev the car unnecessarily. house temperature set to between 18 and 20 degrees 2. flow smoothly with the traffic Celsius. Be aware of traffic conditions ahead so you can antici- Rug up - Reaching for a jumper, dressing gown and pate the next stop and avoid unnecessary acceleration blanket instead of the thermostat will save you a ton. Each and braking. degree adds between 5% & 10% to your energy use. So the savings from pulling on another warm layer can add 3. avoid excessive speeds up to big savings in winter. High speeds result in high fuel consumption. Travelling at 100km/h instead of 110km/h can reduce fuel consump- This also applies to cooling, the recommended cooling tion by 10%. threshold is 23-26 degrees, each degree lower than this can add 10% to your energy costs. 4. avoid lengthy idling Ceiling fans can cost around $4 a year to run. Turn off your engine when stopped for an extended pe- riod and not in traffic. Turn off your heaters - before going to bed and when you’re leaving the house, it’s cheaper and it’s safer too. 5. avoid congested traffic and driving more Keep your windows covered, this will keep the heat inside than necessary in winter and out in the summer. The best way to reduce fuel consumption is to reduce the amount of driving you do. Consider combining trips, Bar radiators, fan heaters and column heaters are big carpooling or using other modes of transport. energy users. Don’t use the shower to warm up – electric hot water 6. keep your car well maintained accounts for about 1/3 of the average bill. Use water If your vehicle is running correctly, it will use less fuel and saving shower heads. Keep showers short to save money be more reliable. Have it serviced in accordance with the on water and energy. owner’s manual (usually every six months or 10,000km, whichever comes first) and regularly check oil, coolant Wash your clothes in cold water, most detergents are now and other fluid levels. designed for cold water. Clothes dryers can cost several hundred a year to run. 7. keep tyres properly inflated Save money by using a clothes horse or clothes line in the Inflate your vehicle’s tyres to the higher end of the manu- summer and inside when the heater is already on. facturer’s recommended range of tyre pressures and make sure your wheels are properly aligned. Turn off gadgets and appliances; up to 10 per cent of the electricity used in your home is used on gadgets that are 8. use the air conditioner sparingly plugged in on standby. Turn off unused appliances at the Air conditioners can increase fuel consumption by be- wall. tween 5 and 10%, particularly on very hot days. How- That second fridge in the garage could be costing you an ever, at higher speeds, use of air conditioning is better for extra $400 a year. Switch it off when not in use. fuel consumption than an open window. Make sure your fridges seal are intact and that there is at 9. minimise wind resistance least an 8cm gap at the back and sides. This will ensure it Remove roof racks and other attachments when they runs efficiently. are not being used to reduce wind resistance and fuel The more stars an appliance has the more energy efficient consumption. it will be. 10. remove unnecessary weight from the car Replace regular light bulbs with florescent ones or even Remove unnecessary items from the boot. The more LEDS, this will reduce your lighting costs by up to 80%. weight a vehicle carries the more fuel it uses. Source: www.ausgrid.com.au, yourenergysavings.gov.au Source: www.racv.com.au

LOW INCOME GUIDE 7 CARING FOR YOURSELF

You don’t have to pay a fortune for expensive skin care Spots and pimples products, here are some ideas for skin care on a budget Dab tea tree oil or apple cider on spots to help clear them that will help to make you feel and look healthier. They up quickly. This should be avoided if you are pregnant. are fun to make, a lot cheaper than big brands, and if Sensitive Skin you know what to combine they work incredibly well. Place a few chamomile tea bags in a bowl and cover Plain olive oil as an eye makeup remover. with boiling water, hover your face over it for a few It’s inexpensive; it works great and does not only effec- minutes tively clean but greatly nourishes your eye lashes. Honey as a Cleanser The enzymes in raw honey eat up dead skin cells and reveal your most smooth and supple skin. It’s great for people with sensitive, normal or combination skin. Apply CLEANING HINTS honey to dry skin. Leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. No need for post-facial moisturizer, the There are many household cleaning products on the market. These are generally quite expensive and often honey will leave your skin hydrated and soft as a baby’s very environmentally damaging. Some companies are bottom. now producing environmentally friendly products, which Apple cider vinegar as facial toner. are better for our environment. Mix some apple cider vinegar with a little bit of water, Home-made alternatives and you have an incredible facial toner that is not only refreshing but also helps shrink pores and reduce age Ceramic bath, basin and tiles Wipe over with Bi-carb soda and/or vinegar on a damp spots when applied regularly. cloth (vinegar adds shine). Bi-carb soda as skin exfoliate Toilets Mixing a paste of 3 parts of Bi-card soda to one part Use 1 cup of white vinegar in toilet bowl, leave water is a great way of exfoliating the body’s skin. It is overnight and scrub the next day. Wipe the outside of also really inexpensive and easy to use. the toilet with white vinegar. Face mask Spot cleaning Mix 2 tbsp bi-carb soda, ½ lemon squeezed and 2 drops Place a few drops of eucalyptus oil or glycerine on the of tea tree oil or other oil of your choice suitable for skin. stain. Leave for 1-2 minutes, do not rub. Repeat and Leave on for 5-10 mins and wash of with warm water. rinse if necessary. Windows Clean with a water-dampened ball of newspaper sprinkled with white vinegar or methylated spirits. Dry with newspaper. Clean and Deodorise urine on a mattress Use a white distilled vinegar and water solution. Then sprinkle the area with baking soda and let dry. Brush or vacuum the residue after it is dry to the touch. Remove Stains from Coffee or Tea Cups Scrub them gently with equal parts of salt (or baking soda) and white distilled vinegar. Rinse clean. Clean Grout Let full-strength white distilled vinegar sit on it for a few minutes and then scrub with an old toothbrush. Clean and Disinfect baby toys Sources: www.mindbodygreen.com, Bicarbonate of Add a good-sized splash of white distilled vinegar to Soda, Diane Sutherland soapy water.

8 LOW INCOME GUIDE SERVICES & RESOURCES

City of Casey

The City of Casey is one of 79 Victorian local Councils. Narre Warren Customer Centre Bunjil Place, Patrick Northeast Drive The Council provides over 100 services including Narre Warren 3805 childrens, youth, aged and disability services; recreation (Near Fountain Gate Shopping Centre) and leisure facilities; events, arts and cultural activities; health and local laws; Council information and Narre Warren South publications; citizenship; building and planning services; Amberley Park Shopping Centre environmental programs; waste services; maintenance of Shop 8, 101 Seebeck Dve roads, drains, gardens, parks and other physical assets; Narre Warren South 3805 support to business and industry; and many more. Cranbourne Customer Service Centre The City of Casey is Victoria’s largest municipality with a Cranbourne Centro Shopping Centre 2019 forecast of 356,000 residents living in Casey. Cranbourne 3977 P.O. Box 1000 The City of Casey has eleven Councillors, representing 6 Narre Warren 3805 local wards in which they have been elected. If you have an issue or a problem in the area in which you Phone: 9705 5200 live, you can discuss the matter with your local Councillor. TTY: 9705 5568 (see page 49) TIS 131 450 (Translating & Interpreting Service) The City of Casey maintains a comprehensive Community Email: [email protected] Directory on its website www.casey.vic.gov.au www.casey.vic.gov.au. This directory provides a weath of information on services and resources in the municipality.

Australian Garden Cranbourne Botanical Gardens

LOW INCOME GUIDE 9 COMMUNITY CENTRES

Community centres offer a wide range of services and Hallam Community Learning Centre support to the local community in which they are located. “Mapleson House” There is a wide range of educational courses and other 56 Kays Avenue interesting activities available, as well as recreational and Hallam 3803 support groups. Child care or children’s activity groups Phone: 9703 1688 may also be available at some centres. Hampton Park Community House For your free copy of the latest course/program 16-20 Stuart Ave information please contact your nearest centre. Hampton Park 3976 Phone: 9799 0708 Costs for courses and activities vary, but in all cases are set at reasonable rates and discounts generally apply Livingstone Family & Community Centre for pensioners. 31 Parkhurst Drive Cranbourne East 3977 Balla Balla Community Centre Phone: 9709 9288 65 Berwick-Cranbourne Road Cranbourne 3977 Lynbrook Community Centre Phone: 5990 0900 Cnr. Lynbrook Boulevard and Harris Street Lynbrook 3975 Beaconsfield Community Centre Inc Phone: 9792 7370 8 O’Neil Road Beaconsfield 3807 Merinda Park Community Centre Phone: 8768 4400 141-147 Endeavour Drive Cranbourne 3977 Berwick Neighbourhood Centre Phone: 5996 9056 112 High St Berwick 3806 Foundation Learning Centre Phone: 9796 1970 1 Malcolm Court Narre Warren 3805 Blind Bight Community Centre Phone: 9704 7388 Anchorage Drive Blind Bight 3980 Oakgrove Community Centre Phone: 5998 7014 89-101 Oakgrove Drive Narre Warren South 3805 Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House Phone: 9704 2781 21A Bemersyde Dve Berwick 3806 Pearcedale Community Centre Phone: 8786 7022 710 Baxter-Tooradin Road Pearcedale 3912 Bridgewater Community Centre Phone: 5978 6226 45 Bridgewater Boulevard Berwick 3806 Selandra Community Hub Phone: 9705 5590 7-9 Selandra Boulevard Clyde North 3978 Cranbourne Community House Phone: 9709 9615 49 Vale Park Crescent Cranbourne 3977 Timbarra Community Centre Phone: 5996 2941 27 Parkhill Drive Berwick 3806 Doveton Neighbourhood Learning Centre Phone: 9704 1863 Oak Avenue Hall Doveton 3177 Phone: 9791 1449 Endeavour Hills Uniting Care Neighbourhood Centre 1 0 Raymond McMahon Blvd Endeavour Hills 3802 Phone: 9700 3789

10 LOW INCOME GUIDE COMPLAINTS & DISPUTES

Dispute Settlement Centre Australian Financial Complaints Authority 46-50 Walker Street PO Box 3 Dandenong 3175 Melbourne 3001 Phone: 8765 5222 Phone: 1800 931 678 www.disputes.vic.gov.au www.afca.org.au www.reachagreement.dispute.vic.gov.au Email: [email protected] The Dispute Settlement Centre aims to enable people to Dispute resolution service that provides an alternative to be responsible for the resolution and outcome of their going to court. own disputes and to provide an alternative to legal action. The service is free and provides; Sectors include: Banking and Finance; Insurance: Investments & Superannuation A free telephone dispute advisory service. Mediation in a wide range of disputes, including If you have unresolved complaints, you can lodge a neighbourhood, workplace, family (excluding family complaint online. law matters), body corporate, clubs and organisations, environmental issues, shared households, accident Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch Inc damage to motor vehicles and commercial Level 3, 10 Yarra Street disagreements. South Yarra 3141 Interpreters can be provided at no cost. PO Box 9015 Administrative Appeals Tribunal South Yarra 3141 Level 16 Phone: 8825 4600 HWT Tower, Southgate 40 City Road Email: [email protected] Southbank 3006 Handles complaints and queries from the public PO Box 9955 regarding dental treatment with member dentists. Melbourne 3001 Health Complaints Commissioner Phone: 9282 8444 26th Floor 1800 228 333 570 Bourke Street TTY 133677 then ask for 1800 228 333 Melbourne 3000 Fax: 9282 8480 Phone 1300 582 113 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.aat.gov.au www.hcc.vic.gov.au Reviews administrative decisions made by a number of Deals with complaints and enquiries about the quality Commonwealth government departments, including and delivery of health services in Victoria. This includes issues of disability, citizenship, child support, employee services provided by medical practitioners, dentists, rehabilitation and compensation, customs, freedom of psychiatric services, hospitals, ambulance services, information, health insurance social security and income alternative health services, community health services, tax. There may be a fee for some applications. chiropractors, dieticians, physiotherapists, masseurs and Public Transport Ombudsman optometrists. PO Box 538, Collins Street West, Melbourne 8007 Phone: 1800 466 865 (mobile charges may apply) Email: [email protected] www.ptovic.com.au Independent dispute resolution body, providing a free, fair, informal and accessible service for the resolution of complaints about public transport in Victoria.

LOW INCOME GUIDE 11 Commonwealth Ombudsman Ombudsman Victoria 1300 362 072 Level 2, 570 Bourke Street Email: [email protected] Melbourne 3000 www.ombudsman.gov.au Phone: 9613 6222 Investigates complaints about administrative decisions, 1800 806 314 Free Call Country callers only actions or procedures of Commonwealth government Email: [email protected] departments and authorities. www.ombudsman.vic.gov.au

Job Watch Investigates complaints concerning administrative actions Phone: 9662 1933 taken in Government departments, statutory bodies or by 1800 331 617 officers and employees of municipal councils. Freedom of Information complaints. www.jobwatch.org.au

A community based legal centre that provides a free, Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman confidential telephone advice, information and referral Level 3/595 Collins Street service to people with employment and training related Melbourne 3000 problems. PO Box 276 Victoria Police – Collins Street West Professional Standards Command Melbourne 8007 Level 2, Tower 2, Phone: 1800 062 058 Free Call from landlines Victorian Police Centre TTY: 1800 555 677 637 Flinders Street 1800 630 614 Free Call FAX Docklands 3008 Email: [email protected] Phone: 1300 363 101 (24 hour number) www.tio.com.au Email: [email protected] Provides assistance with resolution of complaints about www.police.vic.gov.au telecommunications and Internet access services. Provides a complaints mechanism for the public about Investigates complaints about billing, faults, Internet the police. Any formal complaint should be lodged as access, mobile services, privacy matters, land access, soon as possible after the incident. telephone directories, and the provision of the standard telephone service. If you call from a mobile you can ask Consumer Affairs Vic them to call you back. Phone: 1300 558 181 Information and advice relating to consumer problems Energy & Water Ombudsman (Victoria) Including Housing & accommodation, shopping, motor G.P.O. Box 469 cars, scams etc. Melbourne 3001 Victorian Legal Services Board 1800 500 509 Free Call and Commissioner 1800 500 549 Free Fax Level 5, 555 Bourke Street 13 1450 Interpreter Melbourne 3000 National Relay Service: 13 36 77 Phone: 1300 796 344 local call Email: [email protected] Phone: 03 9679 8001 www.ewov.com.au www.lsbc.vic.gov.au Investigates and resolves disputes between customers, Investigates any matter relating to a lawyer’s and the gas, electricity and water companies. professional conduct.

Private Health Insurance Contact the Commonwealth Ombudsman Contact details - previous page

12 LOW INCOME GUIDE CULTURAL SPECIFIC

Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre Manages the Victorian Aboriginal Rental Housing Program 39 Clow Street, Dandenong Provides low cost rental housing and housing support to 7/9 Selandra Blv, Clyde North eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. 2 Harris Street, Lynbrook Eligibility: 6B Henry Street, Pakenham Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people resident in Phone: 9706 8830 (for all offices) Victoria. www.smrc.org.au Telephone • Provides information and assistance to refugees and Interpreter migrants. Service • Immigration advice, advocacy, information on 13 14 50 Centrelink entitlements. • Education and Employment services. Professional interpreters can be arranged through the • Housing and Health Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National). 24 hour service, seven days per week. South Eastern Chinese Association Inc Aboriginal Hostels Ltd PO Box 560 William T Onus Hostel Endeavour Hills 3802 75 Westgarth Street Phone: 9794 9534 Northcote 3070 • English – Chinese translation Phone: 9489 6701 • Financial Advice www.ahl.gov.au • Leisure recreation Provides temporary accommodation for Aboriginal and South Eastern Chinese Senior Citizen Torres Strait Islanders. Association Inc Manages a network of hostels across Australia. 78 Power Road Asylum Seekers Resource Centre Doveton 3177 Jesus House Phone: 9794 9534 Level 1 Hub Arcade (Myer/Plaza end of arcade) Email: [email protected] Dandenong 3175 Activities for Chinese seniors – over 50. Phone: 0409 416 744 Afghan Australian Association of Victoria Inc. Postal: Level 1/ 73 - 77 Walker Street PO Box 258 Dandenong 3175 Glen Waverley 3150 Phone: 9562 1289 • Assists on-shore asylum seekers in: Mob: 0401 784 699 • Resume preparation Email: [email protected] • Provision of food parcels • Assistance with finding jobs Peak group for Afghan community organisations in • Provision of Telstra phone cards Victoria. Provides social, welfare and educational • Location of regular ‘English as Second Language’ class support to members of its community. • Access to computers and photocopying • Computer training in Microsoft products Aboriginal Housing Victoria • Provision of 2 hour travelcards (all zones) Narrandjeri House • Emergency accommodation for single adults 125-127 Scotchmer Street • Individual assistance with English as required Fitzroy North 3068 • Referral to legal, medical, housing and counselling services. Phone: 9403 2100 www.ahvic.org.au

LOW INCOME GUIDE 13 Asylum Seeker Resource Centre Wellsprings for Women Inc. Head Office: 79 Langhorne Street 214-218 Nicholson Street, Footscray 3011 Dandenong 3175 Phone: 9326 6066 Phone: 9701 3740 Food Aid & food program. Drop-In Centre, Wellsprings for women seeks to empower isolated English Classes, computer classes & access. women to live their lives more fully. Counselling, health care & Advocacy Programs include - health and wellbeing, arts and crafts, Training for workers. Recreation & social activities. migrant English and job skills. Dandenong Branch Office: 179 Lonsdale Street Ruscare Ltd Dandenong 3175 (St John of Kronstadt) Phone: 8772 1380 13 Conway Street Dandenong South 3175 Hours: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday Limited Services – mostly employment and education Phone: 9793 5955 No material Aid provided. www.ruscare.com.au

Adult Multicultural Education Service (AMES) • Provides assistance to newly arrived Russian and Education, Employment and Settlement Sites Slavic migrants. throughout Melbourne including Narre Warren and • Hostel and nursing home accommodation. Dandenong. • Senior citizens club and visiting program for elderly people of Russian ethnic background. Enquiries: Dandenong Phone: 13 26 37 • Transport program (bus with wheelchair access) Narre Warren: Phone: 8790 1621 • Women’s health group. Located at Echo Aust. 6/418 Princes Highway Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture & Trauma Dandenong & District Aboriginal Co-Op Foundation House – Dandenong Office 62 Stud Road 155 Foster Street Dandenong 3175 Dandenong 3175 Phone: 9794 5973 Phone: 8788 3333 Offering a social support unit to Aboriginal families and www. foundationhouse.org.au the elderly with a medical centre which has a doctor, nurse, health worker and Physiotherapist available also Provides services to people who have experienced a community advancement of Aboriginal persons living torture or trauma in their country of origin. in Dandenong and surrounding areas. AEI - NOOSR In Touch Inc – Multicultural Centre Against Dept of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Family Violence GPO Box 9839 PO Box 2905 Canberra ACT 2601 Melbourne 3001 Phone: 1300 615 262 toll free hotline Freecall: 1800 755 988 Email: [email protected] Phone: 9413 6500 www.internationaleducation.gov.au Email: [email protected] The National coordinating body on overseas skills www.intouch.org.au assessments and recognition provides information, advice Multilingual, cultural support and advocacy to women and assistance in relation to the recognition of overseas and children from non-English speaking backgrounds qualifications and skills. experiencing domestic violence or leaving situations Encourages improved international arrangements for of domestic violence. the recognition of qualifications and skills.

14 LOW INCOME GUIDE Australian Filipino Community Services Casey Aboriginal Gathering Place The Dove Wellbeing Centre 20 Agonis Street, Doveton VIC 3177 78 Power Road, Phone: 9792 7378 Doveton 3177 A range of programs are being run for people of all Phone: 9701 3421 ages. These reflect the current and future needs of the Victorian Multicultural Commission Aboriginal community. Level 16, 35 Collins Street, Melbourne Islamic Education And Awareness of Casey Phone: 7005 1267 Association (IEACA Incorporated) www.multiculturalcommission.vic.gov.au A community and welfare organisation based in Berwick Committed to fostering harmony and encouraging the full that serves and supports families regardless of faith, living participation of Victoria’s ethnic communities. in the South-Eastern suburbs. Promotes participation in the social, economic, cultural and political life of the Victorian community. Phone: 0403 855 558 Email: [email protected] English Language Conversation Sessions The Conversation Club is a initiative of Casey-Cardinia Centre for Multicultural Youth Library Services and AMES and is open to anyone who 199 Lonsdale Street, wants to practice speaking English. Dandenong VIC 3175 Weekly sessions at - Bunjil Place Library Phone: 8594 1561 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren Provides a range of programs and supports for refugee on a Thursday 10am - 12noon and migrant young people. Hampton Park Library 22-26 Stuart Ave, Hampton Park on a Wednesday 10am - 12noon, and Endeavour Hills Library, Raymond McMahon Boulevard on a Thursday 10am - 12noon Phone: 8788 8500 (Hampton Park) 8782 3400 (Endeavour Hills) 8782 3300 (Bunjil Place)

ADEC 186 Foster Street, East Dandenong VIC 3175 Phone: 9480 7000 www.adec.org.au

Action on Disability within Ethnic Communities is a state- wide organisation that strives to empower people with a disability from Non-English speaking backgrounds, their carers, and families to fully participate as members of the Victorian community.

LOW INCOME GUIDE 15 DISABILITY

Alfred Health Carer Services Suite 1, 9 Clyde Road, Berwick 3806 Caulfield Hospital Phone: 9769 3950 260 Kooyong Road, Caulfield 3181 www.thebridgeconnects.org.au Helpline: 1800 052 022 The Bridge is a training and community support service Email: [email protected] for people with a disability in the City of Casey. Learning new skills, preparing you for work, completing Provides information about the full range of respite courses, personal development, social and leisure services and other resources available to support carers. activities. We will work together with you to develop a Arbias package of supports to suit your needs. We will help you 27 Hope Street, Brunswick 3056 identify your goals and how we can work together to achieve them. www.arbias.org.au [email protected] Specialist service for people with alcohol & substance related brain impairment. Carer Gateway Australian Hearing Phone: 1800 422 737 (Mon-Fri 8am-6pm) Phone: 131 797 for connection to nearest centre www.carergateway.gov.au Dandenong, Berwick, Narre Warren 9794 5274 A national online and telephone service for carers to find information, practical advice and services to support Beyond Blue them. Assistance in managing stress and planning for the Infoline: 1300 22 46 36 future. TTY: 133 677 Email: [email protected] Carer Hubs: Web: www.beyondblue.org.au A space for you to connect with other Carers, access carer support and look after your own well-being. It can be hard to know whether you or someone you Hampton Park Carer’s Hub - Phone 1300 277 478 know needs help with depression, anxiety or related Tuesdays during school term - 10.30am - 1.30pm disorders. Beyond Blue is a support and information Uniting Place, 1 Coral Drive, Hampton Park service with comprehensive information and support available. Lynbrook Carer’s Hub - Phone 1300 277 478 Fridays during school term - 10.00am - 2.00pm Beyond Disability Inc. Postal address: c/- Girrahween House Disability Information & Support PO Box 1451, Pearcedale 3912 Intake Response: 1800 783 783 Phone: 0414 114 313 (Tricia) www.dhs.vic.gov.au www.bdi.org.au Information and referral service which provides An interactive communication program with internet information about support services for people of all ages access to: with disabilities, and about disability related matters. * Physically mobile disabled people * Physically disabled school children in wheelchairs from Disability Justice Advocacy low income families. Unit 2/28 Albert Street, Preston Blairlogie Living & Learning Inc Phone: 9474 0077 685 North Road, Cranbourne South 3977 Email: [email protected] Phone: 5978 7900 www.justadvocacy.com www.blairlogie.org Provides advocacy services to people with disabilities Services to enhance each person’s opportunities for in 28 municipalities and focus on the needs, rights and learning, growth and community participation for people interests of people with a disability. living with a disability. Many courses from daily living skills to language, literacy, numeracy and financial. Small Disability Resource Centre Outer South East Outreach Service fee involved for some courses. 186 Foster Street, East Dandenong 3175 The Bridge Connects Phone: 9791 4870 67-69 Webb Street, Narre Warren 3805 www.drc.org.au Phone: 9705 9111 Advocates can provide assistance and support on a 3 Stawell Street, Cranbourne 3977 wide range of issues, such as accommodation, transport, Phone 5995 5250 education and employment, Centrelink, legal.

16 LOW INCOME GUIDE Disability Services Directory • Alcohol and Drug Issues City of Casey Website • Work, Study and School issues www.casey.vic.gov.au/community-services/disability- Each services/disability-services-directory/about Email: [email protected] Extensive database of services relating to people with a www.each.com.au disability. 66 Victor Crescent, Narre Warren 3805 Early in Life Mental Health Services – Casey Phone: 8781 9500 Casey Hospital 33 Bakewell Street, Cranbourne 3977 52 Kangan Drive, Berwick 3806 Phone: 5990 7900 Each has a comprehensive range of services that address Phone: 8768 1569 physical, mental and psychosocial needs at a community Fax: 8768 1957 and primary care level and we are committed to integrated ERMHA - Carer Support and coordinated service provision. 1st Floor, Building G Mental Health Compass 45 Assembly Drive, Dandenong South 3175 www.mentalhealthcompass.com.au Phone: 1300 376 421; 9706 7388 Mental Health Compass is an on-line service finder and If you care for someone with a mental illness, ERMHA information tool, to find services to suit your specific needs. will work with you to maintain your Caring role, as you The services listed are regional specific for the City of achieve your education or employment goals and other commitments beyond the Caring role. Casey, City of Greater Dandenong and the Shire of Cardinia. ERMHA – Eastern Regions Mental Health Mind Australia Association Level 3, 33 Princess Hwy, Dandenong 3175 First Floor, Building G, 45 Assembly Drive Dandenong South VIC 3175 Phone: 1300 286 463 Phone: 03 9706 7388 / 1300 376 421 www.mindaustralia.org.au www.ermha.org Mind provides mental health services to support people in their recovery and to build and sustain self-defined, Aims to improve the quality of life for people living with a mental illness or disability and their carers, by advocating purposeful lives. for and providing individually tailored support focused on Programs also include small group activities, day outings & recovery, independence and social inclusion. National group holidays. Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Support Services. Mindspot GROW Phone: 1800 614 434 707 Glenhuntly Road, Caulfield South 3162 Email: mindspot.org.au Phone: 9528 2977 for closest group www.Mindspot.org.au Freecall: 1800 558 268 Mindspot Clinic offers free online assessment and courses www.grow.net.au to help adults learn to manage stress, worry, social phobia, Group meeetings in Berwick and Cranbourne. panic attacks, low mood and depression. Recovery focused programs for mental health. Proven 12 step program – recovery focused. Weekly structured Monash Health Community meetings, addressing mental health issues, including - Brain Injury Services depression, anxiety, panic attacks, bi-polar disorder, 55 Buckingham Avenue schizophrenia, as well as bereavement, relationship and Springvale 3171 other emotional issues. Phone: 9792 7432 Headspace A program that provides assistance and support to adults 66 Victor Cres, with mild to moderate Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Narre Warrren 3805 Phone: 1800 367 968 Monash Children’s Headspace is a health service for 12-25 people. Psychiatric Triage Service • Mental Health Issues Phone: 1300 369 012 • General Physical Health • Provides psychiatric assessment • Sexual Health and Sexuality Issues • Services include, family therapy, individual therapy, • Family and Relationship Issues parent work, and group work.

LOW INCOME GUIDE 17 Oz Child Services – Home Based Care Assists people with disabilities. Staff assistance with 1536 Heatherton Road meals, toilets, travel difficulties and communication. Dandenong 3175 Wheelchair recharging facilities, free internet access, Phone: 9212 3900 visitor and transport information. Assistance with getting Service that provides respite care for children up to 18 to and from medical appointments. Mobility equipment years old, who have physical, intellectual or sensory hire. Provision of buggy and personal guidance to disabilities, including development delay, cerebral palsy, ensure safe passage at Southern Cross Station. Shower Downs Syndrome, epilepsy, diabetes, blindness and and rest facilities. deafness. Respite care is usually provided one weekend per month Vision Australia and there are also teenage recreational programs, school Headquarters holiday programs and weekend camps. The service is 454 Glenferrie Road, Kooyong 3144 free and there is generally a waiting list. Call for more TTY: 02 9334 3260 information. 1300 847 466 www.visionaustralia.org.au LaTrobe Community Health Services, facilities & Information for visually impaired NDIS - Local Area Co-ordinator persons. Ground Floor, Suite 1-3 Windermere 64 Victor Crescent, Narre Warren 3805 Early Childhood Development Services Phone: 1800 242 696 48 Webb Street PHaMs Narre Warren 3805 Personal Helpers & Mentors Service Phone: 9705 3200; 1300 946 337 Wise Employment – Cranbourne www.windermere.org.au Phone: 5996 3511 Cranbourne PHaMs supports people whose lives are severely affected 75-81 Willora Crescent by mental health problems. It focuses on recovery and Cranbourne 3977 what people can do, not what they can’t do. You will have Phone: 9709 6900 your own Personal Helper and Mentor to support you on the road to recovery. Timbarra 26 Parkhill Drive Recreation Access Project Berwick 3806 City of Casey Phone: 9709 6900 Phone: 9705 5444 Programs for children from 0 to 6 years with special Access for all abilities. Weekend recreational & leisure needs, that aims to assist children to reach their full programs for adults, teenagers and children with a potential and to enhance parent skills, knowledge and disability. power over their own lives and their children’s. Provides a variety of centre based early intervention programs SANE supported by home and kindergarten visits. P.O. Box 226 South Melbourne 3205 • Physiotherapy Phone: 9682 5933 • Speech pathology 1800 187 263 Helpline • Occupational therapy Email: [email protected] • Child psychology [email protected] • Special Education Teachers www.sane.org Individual development programs, parent support and Information and referral service for people affected by contact with other families and support groups, mental illness, and their family and other carers. information support and resources for children, their families and the wider community. Travellers Aid Access Service (TAAS) Cost is negotiated on application. Phone: 03 9654 2600 • Southern Cross Station – Phone: 03 9670 2873 • Flinders Street Station – Phone: 03 9610 2030 www.travellersaid.org.au

18 LOW INCOME GUIDE DRUG & ALCOHOL

Al Anon Family Groups – Victorian Monash Health, Drug and Southern Area Alcohol Services Level 7, 51 Queen Street, Melbourne 3001 84-88 Foster Street, Phone: 1300 252 666 Helpline Dandenong 3175 www.al-non.org/australia Phone: 9792 7620; 1300 473 237 Conducts group meetings throughout southern Victoria Email: [email protected] and Tasmania for people with a relative or friend who Provides a wide range of services aimed at reducing has a drinking problem. To find out the time and places of the harm associated with alcohol and other drugs. meetings, call the number provided between10.30am • Counselling and 2.30 pm Monday to Thursday. • Support groups Alateen • Drink driver license restoration program Contact details as for Al Anon (above) • Youth outreach and peer support Conducts meetings for teenagers with a relative or friend • Residential withdrawal unit who has a drinking problem. • Aboriginal outreach worker Narcotics Anonymous • Mobile overdose response service Phone: 9525 2833 (24 hour helpline) SECADA Self help organisation, providing members with support Drug & Alcohol Recovery Support to abstain from the use of drugs. 314a Thomas Street, Dandenong 3175 Alcoholics Anonymous Phone: 1800 142 536 Cranbourne Community House Email: [email protected] Phone: 9429 1833 (Head Office) www.semphn.org.au/resources/alcohol-and-other-drugs Aims to provide a support to alcoholics in a group setting. Secada is a consortium of six organisations in Regular self help groups are held for alcoholics and Melbourne’s south east. These organisations are problem drinkers who want to overcome their problem. committed to: Meeting times as follows: - reduced Alcohol & other Drug )AOD) use, Cranbourne Community House - Friday 8pm - improving physical & mental health 49 Vale Park Crescent, Cranbourne - reconnecting people to their families and community. Baptist Church Cnr Kidds & Power Rds Doveton - Tuesday 8pm Secada partners are: Monash Health; Odysey House; Uniting Church rear hall, Princes Hwy, Berwick - Taskforce; Windana; YSAS - Youth Support & Advocacy Wednesday 8pm and Monday 9.30am Service. South Eastern Melbourne Medicare Local is Hampton Park Community House, Stuart Ave - the Lead Agency. Assessment services are provided Tuesday 7pm in Berwick, Cockatoo, Cranbourne, Dandenong, St Paul Apostle Church, Endeavour Hills - Monday and Thursday 8pm Koo-Wee-Rup, Narre Warren, Pakenham and Springvale. To arrange to attend any of these groups, you would Vision of Hope – Carer Support need to contact the Head Office number provided. Hallam Medical Group, SURe 212 Princes Highway, Hallam 3803 Substance Use Recovery Phone: 9796 5400 Suite 5, 66 Victor Cres, Narre Warren 3805 Vision of Hope is a support group for parents/family Phone: 8781 9500 caring for someone with drug/alcohol addiction. Every 38 Bakewell Street, Cranbourne 3977 2nd Tuesday of the month – 3 week program. Phone: 5990 7900 Time: 6.30 - 8.00pm (Booking required) www.sureaod.org.au Direct Line Provides initial screening, counselling, advice & referral Phone 1800 888 236 to alcohol and other drug treatment services, based on Telephone service providing 24 hour a day seven days a the individual recovery plan that has been developed with week, counselling and information on drugs and alcohol you. issues.

LOW INCOME GUIDE 19 SMART Recovery Meeting The START Community Berwick Neighbourhood Centre Located at Berwick Salvation Army, cnr Parkhill Drive and 112 High Street, Berwick VIC 3806 Ernst Wanke Road, Berwick 3806. Phone: 0437 951 545 / 9704 1996 Smart Recovery Australia helps people help each other to After hours support: 0436 301 560 manage addictive behaviours for the improvement of the Email: [email protected] community’s health and social well-being. Tuesday 7pm-8.30pm Six-week structured treatment program aimed to empower smartrecoveryaustralia.com.au participants to move from the pain and suffering of [email protected] addiction. The START Community operates with no waiting list and provides a service that is free of cost to the participant. Participants can begin at any time within the six-week cycle and can continue in the program for as long as they like. Group program runs between 9.30am - 2.00pm Monday - Thursday

EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION & INCOME

Centrelink Child Support (Advocacy) www.humanservices.gov.au Springvale Monash Legal Service Phone: Self Service 13 62 40 5 Osbourne Ave, Springvale 3171 TTY Service: 1800 810 586 Phone: 9545 7400 Customer relations: 1800 000 567 Telephone advice on child support matters is avilable on General Information: 13 24 68 Mondays from 10am - 12.30pm. Retirement 13 23 00 Child Support Agency International Services 13 16 73 Phone: 13 12 72 (general enquiries) Multilingual Services 13 14 50 www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/information/ Disability, Sickness and Carers 13 27 17 child-support-website Families 13 61 50 Information and advise about child support. Call Centre Social Work 13 17 94 Youth and Students 13 24 90 Administrative Appeals Tribunal Indigenous Call Centre 1800 136 380 (Commonwealth) Financial Information Services 13 23 00 Level 4, 15 William Street, Financial Seminars 13 63 57 Melbourne, VIC 3000 A comprehensive list of phone numbers is available GPO Box 9955, from the website. Melbourne VIC 3001 In languages other than English 13 12 02 Phone: 9282 8444 If you are not sure what you are eligible for, phone the 1800 228 333 Toll Free call centre number provided and a customer service Email: [email protected] officer will advise you. Claims are generally paid from the (Centrelink and Child Support Cases) date you call and lodge a claim, so it is best to ring as www.aat.gov.au soon as possible. Centrelink can provide an interpreter free of charge. An independent statutory authority established as the first Translation of documents related to payment can also be point of external review of Social Security (Centrelink) arranged. AUSLAN services are also available. decisions. This is a free service. Everyone has basic right when dealing with Centrelink Centrelink Cranbourne Centrelink Narre Warren and those rights are protected by law. You have the 7 – 9 Codrington Street 71-73 Webb Street right to know the reasons for a decision and receive any Cranbourne 3977 Narre Warren 3805 decision in writing. You have the right to appeal against

20 LOW INCOME GUIDE most decisions. You have the right to be treated with Job Watch courtesy and respect by customer service officers. Phone: 9662 1933 1800 331 617 Social Security Rights Victoria (SSRV) Email: [email protected] www.jobwatch.org.au PO Box 4226, Fitzroy 3065 Telephone Advice: 9481 0355 An employment rights legal centre which provides 1800 094 164 assistance to Victorian workers about their rights at 9.30am - 12.30pm – Monday to Thursday work. www.ssrv.org.au Matchworks Employment Services for people with a disability The Welfare Rights Unit believes that all individuals are 7-9 Bakewell Street, Cranbourne 3977 entitled to an adequate income. They have a number of Phone: 5924 8030 services, including a telephone advice service that Suite 101, Building 1 provides free independent advice about any social 66 Victor Cres, Narre Waren 3805 security (Centrelink) matter. They can help you with; Phone: 9088 4204 • Working out whether you are entitled to a Centrelink www.matchworks.com.au payment (despite what Centrelink may have told you) Consultants who are focused on individual needs, • Deciding which payment is best in your situation working to find employment that matches your interests • Working out how much you should be getting and skills. • Appealing a decision you think is wrong Providing support in the workplace once you have started • Complaining about poor treatment by a Centrelink your job. Access to skills training. worker The telephone service is open Monday to Friday Advanced Personnel Management 9.30-12.30. If you do not speak English, ring the 58-60 Victor Crescent, Narre Warren 3805 Translating Interpreter Service on 13 14 50, and an Phone: 8794 9532 interpreter will ring the unit. Direct Recruitment myGov Suite 12, 26 Verdun Drive, Narre Warren 3805 www.mygov.au Phone: 8790 2555 A secure website to access all your government services. Email: [email protected] One Log-in, one password, one destination. 178 Sladen Street, Cranbourne 3977 Centrelink - Child Support - Veteran’s Affairs, My Health Phone: 5995 4300 Record - National Disability Insurance Scheme - Australian Email: [email protected] Taxation Office - Medicare - JobSearch - My Aged Care - Fair Work Ombudsman Victorian Housing Register Application. Phone: 13 13 94 www.fairwork.gov.au MAX Employment Information on federal workplace laws, investigation of 1st Level Car Park, Fountain Gate Shopping Centre. complaints. (Drive past Krispy Kremes, past Kmart Tyres & Auto then turn left into next car park). Outlook Employment Free Call: 1800 625 350 2/418 Princes Highway, Narre Warren 3805 Phone: 8796 6500 Phone: 9705 6445 Email [email protected] Shop 3, 1-21 High Street, Cranbourne 3977 www.maxemployment.com.au Phone: 5995 4385 Cranbourne Email: [email protected] Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre A free service to assist people with disabilities find and High Street, Cranbourne 3977 keep paid employment. Phone: 5990 0000 / 1800 625 350 Government Job Services Australia. Provides integrated employment, health and training services to eligible job seekers in a case-management style.

LOW INCOME GUIDE 21 Echo - Australia skills development to young people (15-22) who have Suite 3/ 75 - 89 High Street, Cranbourne 3977 difficulty within the mainstream education system and up Phone: 5990 0555 to 12 months job search and personal support. Suite 6, 418 Princes Hwy, Narre Warren 3805 Fees apply, Some eligibility criteria Phone: 8790 1621 Email: [email protected] Fair Work Commission www.echoaustralia.com Phone: 1300 799 675 Appointment Only www.fwc.gov.au Personal Support Program that can provide access to This is an independent body whose services include, free assistance from rehabilitation through to personal Dispute resolution, Unfair Dismissal & other workplace development and counselling support. Program is aimed matters. at assisting people to overcome disadvantages they may JobCo Employment Services have in seeking employment. Suite 3, 418 Princes Highway, Narre Warren VIC 3805 Australian Apprenticeships Phone: 8790 2884 Phone: 13 38 73 to find an apprenticeship Centre Email: [email protected] in your area. www.jobco.com.au www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au Disability employment support, training & apprenticeship support. Apprenticeships Matter Phone: Free Call 1800 005 355 Chisholm Institute of Technical & Further Education www.appsmatter.com.au Dandenong Campus 121 Stud Road, Dandenong 3175 WISE Cranbourne Cranbourne Campus 7-9 Bakewell Street, Cranbourne 3977 2 New Holland Drive, Cranbourne 3977 Phone: 5996 3511 Berwick Campus Job network and disability employment service. 25 Kangan Drive, Berwick 3806 Phone all Campuses DVJS Employment Solutions Help No: 1300 244 746 Suite 3 & 4, 64 Victor Cres. Narre Warren www.chisholm.edu.au Level 1, 15 Childers Street, Cranbourne Various courses are provided including specialised short Hollander House, 3/37 Main St. Pakenham courses and accredited courses. Phone: 1300 385 738 A Careers Resource Centre is available to provide www.dvjs.com.au vocational guidance and assistance with decision making. Free service that offers employment training and Careers counselling and course information is also placement services to assist people with disabilities find available as well as help with resume writing, interview suitable employment. skills and goal setting. Fees for courses apply, discounts may be available for Octec Employment Services current Centrelink clients subject to places and courses etc. 8/418 Princes Highway, Narre Warren 3805 Reconnect Program is aimed at high-need learners Phone: 9705 8744 / 1800 258 182 who are not enrolled in school or employed full time and www.octec.org.au are: between 17 and 19 years of age who have not Disability employment service, that assists in developing achieved year 12 or equivalent, or between 20 and 64 goals. Training is offered & interview & workplace years of age who are long term unemployed, without year support. Also assists people with injury or health 12 or equivalent. conditions. Chisholm Institute - Free Courses Hand Brake Turn Some apprenticeship pathway courses and 20 non- 27 Station Street, Dandenong 3175 apprenticeship courses are available without tuition fees, Phone: 9793 1466 for eligible people under 20 years of age. Other fees www.concernaustralia.org.au/handbraketurn applicable. More information at: Offers a hands on 7 week accredited intensive automotive www.chisholm.edu.au/freetafe training course (Cert II in Auto Body Repair) with social Phone: 1300 244 746

22 LOW INCOME GUIDE Centre for Adult Education (CAE) Youth Employment Scheme 253 Flinders Lane, Melbourne 3000 www.jobs.vic.gov.au/about-jobs-victoria/youth- Phone: 9652 0611 employment-scheme Delivers a wide range of adult learning programs and The Youth Employment Scheme (YES) offers young people servicesl. Works with other agencies that provide adult, aged 15 to 24 an opportunity to work in the Victorian community and further education. Provides a career Public Service (VPS) or an agency of government for counselling service to the public. Reduced fees for Senior 12 months while studying for a Certificate III or IV Card holders, pensioners, unemployed and Austudy qualification. Priority given to young people who have students. left school without completing year 12. Other eligibility requirements.

Save on School Purchases

Returning to school costs can cause financial stress for Homework Clubs at: many families. Here are a few tips to help reduce the Hallam Secondary College: cost. Tuesday 3.30pm - 5.00pm • Seek out second hand uniforms and books Hampton Park: through your school or online-see below Wednesday 3.30pm - 5.00pm • Keep an eye out for sales for stationary at your local supermarket or department store State Schools’ Relief • Reuse items such as rulers, sharpeners, Provides clothing and footwear to disadvantaged children calculators, folders and part empty exercise attending Victorian Government Primary and Secondary books. schools. • Talk to your school payment plans for fees, State Schools’ Relief (SSR) doesn’t respond to direct excursions and camps. requests from parents but to the school Principal who acts as the school based representative of SSR, ref to page 40. Second hand books and uniforms online www.sustainableschoolshop.com.au No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) www.ebay.com.au This is a great way to purchase items for primary and www.theuniformexchange.com.au secondary school children at an affordable rate of www.schoolxchange.com.au repayment. Loans for expensive items such as school books, uniforms, camps and excursions are available to eligible families. Education Funding for Camps, Sports and Contact Casey North CISS 9705 6699 Excursions Cranbourne ISS 5996 3333 www.education.vic.gov.au/csef Government funding to assist with Camps, Sports and Excursions Program will run over four years. Means Tested. See school principal for application form.

Embrace Education Email: [email protected] www.embrace-eduation.org This non-profit organisation offers free education support to disadvantaged high school students. Free tutoring, mentoring & homework clubs to students from refugee, recent migrant & low socio-economic backgrounds. Textbooks, stationery & other items may also be provided

LOW INCOME GUIDE 23 HEALTH

Your Community Health Service provides low cost services The range of services available include: for most health programs that you may need. There are Alcohol and Drug Program lots of counselling and support programs available as Provides assessment, counselling, referral and alcohol well as preventative health services such as nutrition and and drug education to individuals, families and groups. women’s health services. The community health programs Drink-driver education programs available. are all under one roof and are provided in a very friendly atmosphere. Child & Families Includes getting children ready to commence school and Community Health Services speech therapy. Monash Health Community Chronic Conditions self-management Support A scale of fees applies to Community Health Services. Program $10 is the minimum amount requested from Health Care Card holders and other Concession Card holders, or Community Health Nursing those on a low wage or salary. Community Health Nursing involves listening and working Appointments with the Financial Counsellors are exempt with people in the local community to maximise their from these fees. health and well being through health assessment, counselling, screening and health promotion. In circumstances of hardship, the worker that you see has the right to reduce or waive the fee. It is hoped Dental Service however that everyone will make a donation. Emergency and general services for Health Care/Pension Eligibility: Concession Cardholders. Appointments are necessary. To be eligible to use the services of the Casey Contact Berwick or Doveton locations for information on Community Health Service you need to live, work or fees and appointments. attend school in the City of Casey. (Dental, Diabetes Phone: 1300 342 273 Education and Control, Alcohol and Drug Services, Financial Counselling, Gambling Services are available Diabetes Education & Control Program. to all persons in the Cities of Casey, Cardinia and Nurse, dietician and podiatrist available for consultation Greater Dandenong). on the management of diabetes. Information on diabetes, the importance of exercise, healthy eating, maintaining Staff at the Community Health Service provide a holistic good health, management of blood glucose levels, foot approach to health care and health enhancement with an emphasis on the individual, the community, the care, etc. environment, and structures that influence health and Dietitian enhance well-being. Provides information about food and nutrition to all age Centre Locations groups. Individual counselling is available, including Central Phone 1300 342 273 advice about lowering of cholesterol, eating awareness www.monashhealth.org/page/monash_health_ and weight reduction, children’s nutrition and general community eating for health. Berwick 28 Parkhill Drive, Berwick 3806 Family Planning & Sexual Health Phone: 8768 5100 Provides information relating to reproductive health, Cranbourne contraception and sexually transmitted infections, with a 140-154 Sladen Street, Cranbourne 3977 female doctor providing pap tests, pregnancy tests and breast examinations. Phone: 5990 6789 Sexual Health Clinic for Under 25s – Phone 5990 6789. Postal address: Locked bag 2500 Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Program Cranbourne 3977 Pakenham Massage Old Pakenham Hospital For diagnosed chronic conditions, muscle or bone pain Cnr Deveney St & Princes Highway, Pakenham 3810 daily for extended period, disabilities affecting daily living, frail elderly and more. Referral required. Phone: 5941 0500 Needle, Syringe & Exchange Program Operates from the Pakenham location. Provides needles and syringes, containers for safe disposal, condoms and information.

24 LOW INCOME GUIDE Occupational Therapy Family Planning Victoria Involves assessment and treatment of people of all ages to 901 Whitehorse Road maintain independence and quality of life. Areas include: Box Hill 3128 Personal Counselling for adjustment to disability; Phone: 9257 0100 assessment; advice and provision of equipment to assist Email: [email protected] with problems related to bathing, eating, dressing, www.fpv.org.au toileting, access to buildings, home modifications and recreation; family support and advice for families caring Pregnancy testing for aged and disabled persons; social assistance to Counselling - pregnancy, sexual, menopause improve social contacts for isolated people; paediatrics (also available for intellectually disabled) – assessment and treatment of children with disabilities, Contraceptive clinic (including emergency contraception) developmental delay or learning difficulties. Testing, counselling and treatment of STIS/HIV Pap smears and breast examination Opthalmology Available with referral at Cranbourne. Telephone counselling and info service, Bookshop with mail order service, Library Optometry – Australian College of Optometry Hours: Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm Eye examination and glasses at low cost for pensioners at Cost: Medical consultations free. 116 David Street, Dandenong VIC 3175 Pharmaceutical charges apply. Appointments Call: 9771 1007 Ring for an appointment or drop in service operates Physiotherapy Monday to Friday 1pm to 4pm Physiotherapists can relieve pain and improve movement Victorian AIDS Council and and function in people of all ages. Gay Men’s Health Centre Podiatry 615 St Kilda Road Involves the prevention, diagnosis and management of Melbourne VIC 3004 foot and lower leg disorders. Phone: 9865 6700 1800 134 840 Toll Free - Country Callers only Women’s Health Service 9827 3733 TTY Offers women a chance to discuss health issues. Email: [email protected] Doveton & Cranbourne Centres. www.vac.org.au Quitline 13 18 48 St Kilda Clinic Location: South Eastern Counselling & Psychology Rear 77 Fitzroy Street 64 Victor Crescent, Narre Warren 3805 St Kilda VIC 3182 201 High Street, Cranbourne 3977 Phone: 9525 5866 5/94 High Street, Berwick 3806 Large community centre offering a weekly program of Phone: 1300 554 662 (Enquiries & Appointments) services and activities for people with HIV/AIDS. Counselling in Depression/mood disorders, Trauma, Grief Provides a range of health promotions for gay and & Loss, Pain Management, Relationship Issues, Habit bisexual men regardless of HIV status. disorders, Sleep disturbance, Abuse. Palliative Care South East Medical Bulk Billing Services available. 140-154 Sladen Street Need referral from GP. Cranbourne VIC 3977 Action Centre (FPV service for under 25s) Phone: 5991 1300 Level 1, 94 Elizabeth Street www.palliativecaresoutheast.org.au Melbourne 3000 With trained medical health professionals SEPC provides physical care and practical support, therapy, symptom Phone: 9660 4700 management counselling etc. Links to other services. Advice Line: 9257 0116 Most services are free of charge. 1800 013 952 Free Call Weavers Carer Support Program: This program Email: [email protected] looks after the Carers. Volunteers who are past Carers are Nurse-On-Call welcome. Contact details: Palliative Care South East. Phone: 1300 606 024 - Free health advice 24 hours per day given by a registered nurse.-

LOW INCOME GUIDE 25 Living Positive Victoria Email: [email protected] People Living with HIV/AIDS Vic Provides information and referral advice for parents and Phone: 9863 8733 professionals. Resources available on childhood illnesses Resource for people living with HIV/AIDS in Victoria. and diseases, disabilities, parenting, support groups, Email: info@livingpositivevictoria child health and adolescence and safety products. Cancer Council Victoria The centre is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. 615 St. Kilda Rd Australian Dental Health Foundation Melbourne 3004 www.adhf.org.au Phone: 9514 6100 This foundation co-ordinates the delivery of pro bono 13 1120 Cancer Helpline dental treatment to disadvantated Australians in need of Quit Line: 13 78 48 dental care. Dentists outside the public system donate their time. Patients should be aged between 18-65 years www.cancervic.org.au and need to be referred. The Cancer Information and Support Service includes a Refer to website. cancer help line, cancer connect support service, cancer Melbourne Sexual Health Centre support group network and two financial assistance 580 Swanston Street programs. Carlton 3053 Nurse counsellors provide one-off counselling for people affected by cancer, their friends and families. Phone: 9341 6200 Monday to Friday 8.30am – 6.00pm TTY: 9347 8619 1800 032 017 Dental Health Services Victoria 720 Swanston Street HIV positive people only: phone 9341 6214 Carlton 3053 www.mshc.org.au Phone: 9341 1000 This centre provides a range of free, confidential Emergencies - 1300 360 054 services about sexual health and sexually transmitted www.dhsv.org.au diseases, including HIV/AIDS. Also provided is Hepatitis B vaccinations, contraception advice, free condoms and Public Dental Services are available for concession card lubricant, and a needle and syringe exchange program. holders (Pension or Health Care Concession Card). It is a Gay and Lesbian sensitive clinic. DHSV provides a range of dental care services. Monday to Thursday 8.40am – 5.00pm (no appt req.) Royal Womens Hospital – Pregnancy No charge and medicare card required. Advisory Service Friday 12.30pm – 5.00pm (no appt req.) Cnr Grattan Street and Flemington Rd Thursday evening clinic 5.00pm - 7.30pm (appt only) Parkville VIC 3052 but early arrival recommended). Phone: 8345 3063 Telephone information service available. www.thewomens.org.au Bolton Clarke Formerly Royal District Nursing Services • No charge for public clinic appointment. Phone: 1300 221 122 (24 hours) • Termination cost applicable, please call for information www.rdns.com.au • Free counselling available to public and private clients. Home nursing services. • Counselling and advice regarding unplanned Comprehensive general and specialised nursing and pregnancies health care for people in their own homes. • Post-termination counselling Some fees may apply • Surgical terminations of pregnancy • Public and private medical appointments State-wide Equipment Program (SWEP) • Family planning advice and support Phone: 1300 747 937 • Assistance with community support services Email: [email protected] www.swep.bhs.org.au Monday to Friday 9.15am – 4.30pm SWEP provides a subsidy towards the cost of equipment Kids Help Info Bookshop and/or modifications. This is to improve independence in Royal Children’s Hospital your home, assist in community participation and support Flemington Road families and carers in their role. Parkville 3052 Continence Aids Program Phone: 9345 5085

26 LOW INCOME GUIDE HOUSING

PUBLIC HOUSING Free Tenancy Advice Program Peninsula Community Legal Service Health & Human Services Office of Housing Outreach Service at CNCISS - Tuesday Afternoons Provides affordable public housing to families, sole parent- 90-92 Victor Cres. Narre Warren families, aged and single people. Free advice to private rental clients. Who Can Apply? Appointment required. You can apply for public housing as a single person, Phone: 9783 3600 a couple or a family. A group of people can also join together to make a group application. In general, to be Consumer Affairs Tenancy Advice considered for public housing, you must: Phone: 1300 55 81 81 Not exceed the current general public housing income www.consumer.vic.gov.au/housing/renting and asset eligibility limits. Tenants Victoria Live in Victoria 55 Johnston Street Not own or part own a house, unit or flat. Fitzroy 3065 Have Australian citizenship or permanent residency status. Fitzroy 3065 Repay any money that you still owe from a previous public Phone: 9416 2577 (Advice Line) housing tenancy or Bond Loan. Phone: 9416 0513 (FAX) How To Apply: www.tuv.org.au If you think you meet the above conditions, contact your Free advice given to tenants with problems with leases, local Housing Office and ask for the General Application rent rises, bond retention, evictions, etc. Includes residents form and more information on the eligibility criteria, of rooming houses and caravan parks. process involved and waiting period. When you fill out the application form you will need to provide details about WAYSS Ltd the people living with you, their income, savings and other 20 Langmore Lane, Berwick 3806 assets. Phone: 9703 0044 If you are in Urgent Need: www.wayssltd.org.au If you can show that you need housing urgently, you can Housing related information including: general housing apply for Priority Housing. This means you will be offered information, information on a range of accommodation housing before other applicants on the waiting list – even options, including public housing and private rental. if they applied before you. Although you will be housed Referrals and advocacy to government and community sooner, this is not emergency housing and in most cases agencies and services; tenancy advice services and a there is still a waiting time. Call the Housing Office for range of support services. more details on early housing categories. AMIDA Office of Housing (Dandenong) Action for more independence and dignity in 165-169 Thomas Street accommodation. Dandenong 3175 First floor, Ross House Phone:1300 286 625 247 Flinders Lane Melbourne 3000 RENTAL HOUSING SUPPORT Phone: 9650 2722 Peninsula Community Legal Service Email: [email protected] Bella Centre www.amida.org.au Suite 12, 33-39 High Street, Disability advocacy group. Cranbourne 3977 Offers advocacy on housing and tenancy rights for Phone: 9783 3600 people with a disability. Priority given to people with an Email: [email protected] intellectual disability.

LOW INCOME GUIDE 27 HOUSING CRISIS & SUPPORT SERVICES

WAYSS Ltd – Dandenong Launch Housing – Dandenong Level 1 35 Robinson Street 294-300 Thomas Street Dandenong 3175 Dandenong 3175 Free Call: 24 hour service - 1800 825 955 PO Box 3 Phone: 9792 0750 Dandenong 3175 Fax: 9792 0751 Phone: 9791 6111 BH Email: [email protected] 1800 637 993 free call (not mobiles) www.launchhousing.org.au Monday - Friday 8.30am - 5.30pm Housing service providing a short term stay facility and www.wayssltd.org.au transitional housing. After hours emergency Other Locations: accommodation is available. WAYSS Ltd - Berwick Windermere Child & Family Services 20 Langmore Lane 48 Webb Street Berwick 3805 Narre Warren 3805 Phone: 9703 0044 Phone: 9705 3200 WAYSS Ltd - Cranbourne 156 Sladen St, Cranbourne Housing support worker provides information, referral Phone: 5996 3333 and support to families and individuals who are Initial assessment & planning, youth support services. homeless, or at risk of homelessness. Assistance provided Appointment required. to locate transitional, medium term and long term accommodation. Housing Services - Dandenong & Berwick: • Transitional Housing AIDS Housing Action Group • Youth Housing Program 365 Hoddle Street • Women’s Outreach Program Collingwood 3066 • Domestic Violence Outreach Phone: 9417 4311 • Family Crisis Worker Email: [email protected] Provides information, advice and resourcing to people with housing problems, referring to appropriate services www.ahag.org.au if required. State wide confidential housing services for people living Initial Assessment and Planning - CHAP provides adults, with HIV/AIDS. Provides confidential housing advice, youth and families, experiencing or at risk of referral to appropriate housing services, options regarding homelessness, access to timely assistance and / or housing needs, assistance in obtaining priority public referral at central locations known as assess points. housing, independent rental housing, supported housing Drug Court Homelessness Assistance - Program assists programs. those identified as suitable for the Drug Treatment Order who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Aboriginal Housing Board of Victoria see Cultural Specific - page 13. Emergency Youth Accommodation (24 hours) Phone: 9791 5692 Aboriginal Hostels Ltd WAYSS Family Violence Outreach see Cultural Specific - page 14. Phone: Dandenong 9791 6111 Berwick 9703 0044 Workers available at Dandenong office: 8am to 11pm 7 days a week

28 LOW INCOME GUIDE Frontyard Youth Services Active Community Housing 19 King Street 14 High Street Melbourne 3000 Yarraville 3013 Phone: 9611 2411 - 7 days Phone: 9314 8555 1800 800 531 Freecall Housing for people with disabilities and other Email: [email protected] disadvantaged groups from all areas of Victoria. Tenants www.frontyard.org must be eligible for public housing or to receive a A co-location of various youth services which focus on disability support pension. the needs of disadvantaged young people up to 25 years, with a priority given to young people who are ERMHA - Community Connection Program homeless. Phone: 9706 7388 - ask for CCP Support Worker Assists people at risk of homelessness, with complex, Women’s Housing Ltd unmet needs which impact their housing situation. Suite 1, Level 1 issues including, but not limited to mental illness, 21 Cremorne Street intellectual or physical disability, substance abuse, Cremorne 3121 forensic issues, trauma, behavioural issues. Phone: 9412 6868 Senior’s Housing Information Email: [email protected] www.datascape.com.au/infocomse/cota/search.cfm www.womenshousing.com.au Offers a range of housing services for women in National Rental Affordability Scheme metropolitan Melbourne. www.chl.org.au www.housing.vic.gov.au/national-rental-affordability- Housing for The Aged Action Group scheme Phone: 1300 765 178; 9765 7389 Can provide affordable rental housing to low income www.oldertenants.org.au people who find it hard to afford market rental rates. Email: [email protected] Connected to Community Housing (Vic) Ltd Housing information and support service. Aims to alleviate housing related poverty for people over 55 years.

LOW INCOME GUIDE 29 LEGAL

Peninsula Community Legal Centre other forms of dispute resolution, and the impact family 441 Nepean Highway breakdown can have on those involved. Frankston 3199 Mental Health Legal Centre Inc. Phone: 9783 3600 Centre for Innovative Justice at RMIT, Bella Centre Building 98, 102 Victoria Street, Suite 12, 33-39 High Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 Cranbourne 3977 Phone: 9629 4422 Phone: 5995 3722 Email: [email protected] www.pclc.org.au www.communitylaw.org.au/mentalhealth Peninsula Community Legal Centre is a free legal advice Provides legal advice, referral and information to people service. Appointments are necessary. with mental helth conditions. Mon, Wed, Tues (evenings) – Family Law Telephone advice: call office at 9:00am on the day to Insurance Law Service register. Phone: 1300 663 464 Office open: Monday to Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm www.insurancelaw.org.au

Springvale Monash Legal Service A community legal centre specialising in financial services, particularly in the areas of consumer credit, 5 Osborne Ave, Springvale 3171 banking, debt recovery and insurance. 122 Thomas St, Dandenong 3175 Phone: 9545 7400 Family Relationship Centre Email: [email protected] 38 Clyde Street www.smls.org.au Berwick 3806 Suite 1, Level 2, 64 Victor Crescent, Narre Warren Phone: 8768 4111 Phone for appointment: 9038 8002 National Advice Line: 1800 050 321 Email: info@[email protected] (See page 35 – Family Support) Outreach service also at Cranbourne, Doveton and Family Court – Dandenong Pakenham - Phone: 9038 8002 53-55 Robinsons Street Fines Clinic Dandenong 3175 Clinic held at Frankston with Peninsula Community Legal Phone: 1300 352 000 Centre. Phone: 9783 3600 Magistrates Court – Dandenong Assistance given on a broad range of fines, including toll Cnr Foster & Pultney Streets roads, parking and public transport. Dandenong 3175

Fines Victoria Phone: 9767 1300 Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service www.fines.vic.gov.au Co-operative Ltd Information on fines received and options for paying. 273 High Street Family Law Assistance Program Preston 3072 Monash-Oakleigh Legal Service Phone: 9418 5999 24 hour service 1800 064 865 60 Beddoe Avenue Clayton 3168 www.vals.org.au Phone: 9905 4336 The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service works to ensure The Family Law Assistance Program, is a self-help that Indigenous people enjoy their legal rights, are aware workshop program for people to access the Family of their responsibilities under the law and have access to Court. Participants will be provided with the knowledge and support they need to undertake their own matter appropriate legal representation in courts. The service before the Court. The aim of the program is to provide information on family law procedure, mediation and

30 LOW INCOME GUIDE provides legal advice, assistance and representation in Women’s Legal Service Victoria areas of criminal, civil and family law to Aboriginal and Level 10, 277 William Street, Torres Strait Islander people. Melbourne VIC 3000 Justice Connect Phone: 8622 0600 Level 17, 461 Bourke Street, Email: [email protected] Melbourne VIC 3000 www.womenslegal.org.au Phone: 8636 4400 This service is to legally assist women with relationship Email: [email protected] breakdown and violence against women www.justiceconnect.org.au Law Institute of Victoria Facilitates referrals, linking individuals experiencing Legal Referral Service hardship with pro-bono legal services. Phone: 9607 9550 Victoria Legal Aid – Melbourne Email: [email protected] Phone: 9269 0234 www.liv.asn.au/referral Legal information 9269 0120 Choosing a lawyer can be a daunting task but the LIV Dandenong 9767 7111 Legal Referral Service can help. Provides referral to Victoria Legal Aid provides a wide range of legal services solicitors practising in the relevant area of law. All firms and cost is dependent on the clients income. included in the Legal Referral Service provide a thirty There is also a multilingual telephone information service. minute enquiry interview free of charge. However, be The cost of Legal aid is dependent on the individual’s sure to discuss any costs before any work is completed income and the type and merit of a specific case. on your behalf. Refugee Legal Level 6, 20 Otter Street, Collingwood Phone Advice Line: 9413 0100 Email: [email protected] www.refugeelegal.org.au Specialising in immigration and refugee law, policy and procedures. Free charge to all persons. Legal casework service.

Office of Public Advocate - Department of Justice & Regulation Level 1, 204 Lygon Street, Carlton VIC 3053 Phone: 1300 309 337 Email: [email protected] www.publicadvocate.vic.gov.au For advice on matters including: Power of Attorney, Guardianship and Consent to medical and dental treatment.

LOW INCOME GUIDE 31 SENIORS

University of the Third Age: Seniors Card and Seniors programs and participation Casey U3A Inc information. Links to many other services of interest to Fiddlers Green Retirement Village Seniors. 57 Gloucester Avenue, Berwick 3806 Seniors Card Victoria Phone: 0478 226 521 Phone: 1300 797 210 Email: [email protected] Victorian Seniors 60+ discount card. www.casey-u3anet.org.au Email: [email protected] U3A Cranbourne Inc Casey/Cardinia Life Activities Casey Indoor Leisure Centre Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House 65 Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne 3977 Bemerside Drive Phone: 5995 0311 Berwick VIC 3806 Email: [email protected] Phone: 5605 8091 U3A offers a large range of activities and classes for A network of contacts and social activities for people 50 retired, active people. Low cost learning in a wide variety of subjects. years and over. Permitting a range of lifestyle activities, including travel, finance, various guest speakers etc. Mecwacare – Cardinia Care There are also day tours and coach holidays, as well as 4 / 66-68 Main Street, Pakenham 3810 social nights and a walking group. Phone: 5945 0888 Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Fax: 5941 5453 Association of Victoria Inc Provides basic in home support, home maintenance and Trades Hall other support services for persons over 65 or with a 54 Victoria St disability in the Shire of Cardinia and some services in Carlton 3053 City of Casey. P.O. Box 21 Trades Hall Council on the Ageing (Victoria) – COTA Carlton 3053 533 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne 3000 Phone: 9662 3971 Phone: 9655 2100 / 1300 135 090 Email: [email protected] Fax: 9654 4456 This group aims to assist the independence, opportunity Email: [email protected] and availability of information for older people. It assists www.cotavic.org.au with access to transport, community and health services Aims to work with older people and the community to to provide clear and concise information to increase the achieve social justice and wellbeing for older Victorians. range of choices available to older Australians. To secure To act as a voice for older people to government, the for older people adequate and secure standard media and the community. of living particularly those with limited means. An information and advisory service for older people, relatives and friends, and the wider community. Southern Metropolitan Aged Care Assessment Provides information on a wide range of issues about Jacksons Road ageing, so that individuals and/or their families and Mount Eliza 3930 friends are able to make informed choices. P.O. Box 102 Membership services include access to competitively Mount Eliza 3930 priced house and contents insurance, health and motor Phone: 9788 1276; 1800 200 422 vehicle insurance, and a free legal advice service. Provides an independent and multidimensional Seniors Rights Victoria assessment of the care needs of frail elderly people. Phone: 1300 368 821 Better Place Australia Email: [email protected] Mediation & Counselling www.seniorsrights.org.au 86-88 Victor Crescent Seniors Rights is a program within the Council of the Narre Warren 3805 Ageing (COTA) Particularly dealing with Elder abuse, Phone: 8781 9111 prevention & support. FMC Seniors Mediation assist in resolving conflict about Seniors Online Victoria Care decisions, Finances or Future Planning. Victorian State Government Phone: 1300 797 210 www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au Email: Online, direct from their website

32 LOW INCOME GUIDE SERVICES FOR WOMEN

Wellsprings – for Women Inc. Intouch Multicultral Centre 79 Langhorne Street Against Family Violence Dandenong 3175 PO Box 2905 Melbourne 3001 Phone: 9701 3740 Phone: 9413 6500 A gathering place where women can: • meet other women Email: [email protected] • find support share ideas, hopes and dreams www.intouch.org.au •develop their skills Multilingual, cultural support and advocacy to women • gain information about a variety of services and children from non-English speaking backgrounds experiencing domestic violence or leaving situations of Women’s Health in the South East (W.H.I.S.E.) domestic violence. Suite 2/31 Princes Highway Australian Breast Feeding Association Dandenong 3175 Suite 3, 71 Robinson St Phone: 9794 8677 Dandenong 3175 Email: [email protected] Phone: 9791 4644 - Admin www.whise.org.au 1800 686 268 Breastfeeding Helpline 24 hour Provides a wide range of services in relation to women’s www.breastfeeding.asn.au health issues including information, advocacy and Provides counselling in breastfeeding and mothering referral. Social meetings and discussion groups. Annual membership applies, but it is not essential to Caroline Chisholm Society access the counselling service. (Pregnancy and Family Support Service) 1 Darebin Place WIRE Women’s Information Caroline Springs 3023 Women’s Info Centre 372 Spencer Street Phone: 9361 7000 West Melbourne 3003 1800 134 863 (toll free outside Metro area) www.carolinechisholmsociety.com.au Phone: 1300 134 130 Fax: 9328 8950 • 24 hour telephone counselling line Email: [email protected] • Face to face counselling www.wire.org.au • Free pregnancy testing • Supported crisis accommodation Aims to support Victorian women make informed choices • Post-natal Depression Support Group through access to information. Telephone information service provides information, Council of Single Mothers and Their Children Inc support and referrals to help women make choices about 1st Floor the issues that matter in their lives. Covering issues 210 Lonsdale Street including relationships, emotional wellbeing, legal matters, Melbourne VIC 3000 housing, experiences of violence, anything that women Phone: 9654 0622 want to talk through.

Email: [email protected] Keeping It Together www.csmc.org.au Casey North CISS Telephone support, information and referral around such Phone: 9705 6699 issues as mothering, welfare rights, legal issues, child and An 8 week skills program for women aimed at income support, housing, financial aid, domestic violence strengthening relationships and developing strategies to and abuse. overcome the pressures of every day life. Assertiveness Strategies; Healthy Communication; Working with anger; Positive Conflict Resolution; Improved Self-Esteem, Financial Literacy; Self-Care.

LOW INCOME GUIDE 33 SERVICES FOR MEN SUPPORT SERVICES

Relationships Australia Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement Lower Ground Level, Men’s behaviour change groups are available for men 253 Wellington Rd, with problems of abuse or violence, including use of Mulgrave VIC 3170 aggression and verbal abuse. Contact Relationships Australia on 1300 364 277 for Phone: 9265 2100 general enquiries or Cranbourne on 5990 1900 in Free Call: 1800 642 066 regard to men’s groups. Email: [email protected] No to Violence - Formally Men’s Referral www.grief.org.au Service Provides bereavement support and counselling for people Phone: 1300 766 491 (Phone Counselling Line) who have been bereaved through any cause. 8.00am to 9.00pm Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm Weekends SANDS (Vic) – Stillbirth and Neonatal Death www.ntv.org.au Support Provides a telephone referral and advice service Suite 4A 329 Mitcham Road, regarding issues relating to domestic violence. Mitcham, 3132 All calls are anonymous and confidential. Phone: 1300 072 637 Support Dadslink (YMCA) 9874 5400 Support Phone: 03 9345 8011 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.victoria.ymca.org.au/dadslink www.sandsvic.org.au Parenting network that focuses on fathers and their A state wide self help group comprised of parents who relationship with their children. have experienced the death of a baby through Provides activities and camps for Fathers to participate miscarriage, stillbirth or shortly after birth. The service in with their children. Provides counselling, workshops, is free and provides immediate and ongoing support conflict resolution. to bereaved parents, families and friends. Telephone support, monthly meetings, a newsletter, library and Mensline Australia information nights are all part of the service available Phone: 1300 789 978 Telephone counselling, information and referral for men, Bereavement Assistance Limited as well as support for concerned family members. 92 Atherton Rd Dads Matter in Casey Oakleigh 3166 City of Casey (Office & Chapel) Phone: 9705 5590 Phone: 9564 7778 (enquiries / 24 hours) Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Free interactive programs for men to join in with their www.bereavementassistance.org.au children up to 10 years - Call for details. A not-for-profit funeral service, offering quality, Lone Fathers Association Australia professional funerals at a low cost for people with limited PO Box 492 money. Canberra City Pre-paid funeral option. Canberra 2601 Phone: 02 6239 4650 Palliative Care South East www.lonefathers.com.au 140-154 Sladen St, Cranbourne Self help educational and welfare organisation devoted Phone: 5991 1300 to the interests of lone fathers, their friends and families. www.palliativecaresoutheast.org.au Membership fee applies. With trained medical health professionals SEPC provides counselling etc. Links to other services. Grief & Loss Most services are free of charge. GRIEFLINE PO Box 5181, Hughesdale 3166 Phone: 9935 7400 www.griefline.org.au

34 LOW INCOME GUIDE Family Support Stepfamilies Australia 100 Drummond Street, Windermere Child & Family Services Carlton VIC 3053 48 Webb Street Narre Warren 3805 Phone: 9663 6733 Phone: 9705 3200 Email: [email protected] www.stepfamily.org.au Email: [email protected] www.windermere.org.au A community non-profit organisation offering education, A local support agency for families and children support and resources to stepfamilies. Workshops and providing a wide range of services, including; discussion groups. On-line newsletter. Counselling – crisis, relationship and addictive behaviour Uniting Connections for families, young people and children. 184 Sladen Street Family Support Program – provides in home service with Cranbourne 3977 a focus on parenting. Works towards developing good Phone: 5990 8400 parenting skills, home management and life skills. Parenting programs www.connections.org.au Housing Support Workers – provides support to families Narre Warren Office and individuals that are homeless or at risk of 55 Webb St. homelessness to access and maintain shelter. Narre Warren 3805 Most services are free of charge, with a sliding fee Phone: 9704 8377 applicable to the counselling programs. Provides support for vulnerable families such as Relationships Australia counselling. Also provides support for youths at risk of 2/199 Sth. Gippsland Highway, Cranbourne homelessness or not completing their schooling. Phone: 5990 1900 Email: [email protected] Family Relationship Centre 405 Narre Warren Road, Cranbourne North 38 Clyde Road Phone: 5911 5400 Berwick 3806 Email: [email protected] Phone: 8768 4111 www.relationshipsaustralia.com.au National Advice line: 1800 050 321 Support for parents and children, step-families, families Email: [email protected] in crisis, couples, single adults, parents and children A Family Relationship Centre can provide information after separations. They deal with personal, couple and about family relationships at all stages - forming new family issues, behavioural problems as well as school relationships, overcoming relationship difficulties or and work issues. dealing with separation. Assist separating families to A fee for service applies to most services and is based resolve disputes by focusing on best interests of children. on your total family income and ability to pay. Casey & District Multiple Birth Association Parentline P.O. Box 37 Phone: 13 22 89 Hampton Park 3976 www.education.vic.gov.au/parents/services-for-parents/ Phone: 9513 4445 pages/parentline.aspx Email: [email protected] Monday - Sunday 8.00am – 12 Midnight – 7 days. www.caseydistrict.amba.org.au Professional advisers will answer calls from parents Provides information, practical assistance and support experiencing problems coping with their children. for multiple birth families. Problems can be big or small, from a toddler with a CatholicCare tantrum to a teenager suspected of drug use. The service 33-35 Princes Hwy, Dandenong is free and offers instant connection by phone to a vast Phone: 8710 9600 and professional resource. www.ccam.org.au We help people to build positive relationships, and Keeping It Together repair connections when needed. We provide family Casey North CISS and relationship services, relationship courses, pastoral Phone: 9705 6699 services, refugee and asylum seeker support, and school Email: [email protected] and education support. All services are offered to the whole An 8 week skills program for women aimed at community, regardless of religious belief of background. strengthening relationships and developing strategies to overcome the pressures of every day life.

LOW INCOME GUIDE 35 Cranbourne ADHD Support Group • Friendly visiting, disaster relief, and First Aid training Cranbourne Community House and assistance. 49 Valepark Crescent • Asylum Seeker Assistance Scheme provides health Cranbourne 3977 care for asylum seekers who are not holders of Phone: 5996 3333 (Cranbourne ISS) Medicare cards. • Volunteer transport that takes people without access to Support group for families and children diagnosed with public transport, to hospital appointments. attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Meets monthly, call for details. Maternal and Child Health Line Phone: 132 229 Trauma and Crime After hours phone-in advisory service for parents of new WAYSS Family Violence Outreach & born babies and children up to six years of age. The Crisis Service service aims to help alleviate stress and anxiety in parents 294-300 Thomas St of new babies in the early days of parenting and beyond, Dandenong 3175 by providing advice on feeding, behaviour problems, and Phone: 1800 357 397 other issues. Phone: 9791 6111 - Monday - Friday 8.00am - 5.00pm The service is free and available 24 hours, 7 days a After Hours: 1800 627 727 week. Berwick Area Service Better Place Australia Phone: 9703 0044 Meditation & Councelling www.wayssltd.org.au 86-88 Victor Crescent Provides assistance and support to women, and their Narre Warren 3805 children, who are experiencing domestic violence situations. Phone: 8781 9111 Safe Steps Email: via website www.betterplaceaustralia.com.au Family Violence Response Centre This service provides a family law information, counselling Phone: 1800 015 188 and mediation service and parent-adolescent mediation. www.safesteps.org.au There is also a mens relationship service which provides practical and emotional support for men around divorce Safe Steps provides a range of service for women and- and separation. children experiencing violence and abuse from a partner or ex-partner, or someone close to them, Free service. Casey Asperger Syndrome Support Care Email: [email protected] Dept. of Human Services (Child Protection) www.thecass.com.au Phone: 131 278 Crisis Line - 24 hours Information and support for families affected by Victims Support Agency Aspergers, particularly for parents who have just received Level 18, 121 Exhibition Street a diagnosis. Social Activity for Primary, Teens & Tweens. Melbourne 3000 Australian Red Cross Victoria GPO Box 4349 23-47 Villiers Street Melbourne 3001 North Melbourne 3051 Phone: Helpline - 1800 819 817 G.P.O. Box 9949 www.justice.vic.gov.au/victimsofcrime Melbourne 3001 Telephone Information and Referral Service Phone: 8327 7700 BH Provides a central point of contact for victims of crime 1800 131 701 and any other person who has been affected by a crime. www.redcross.org.au/vic Referral to a range of legal, financial, emotional and Services include: practical support services relevant to victims of crime • Tracing agency that provides information and advice about family reunion. and information about the rights and entitlements of • Telecross, a telephone service that provides support to crime victims. people who are isolated, lonely or at risk.

36 LOW INCOME GUIDE Victims Counselling Service The telephone service is not, however, gender specific. A free counselling service for primary, secondary and Women who call the service are provided with support related victims of reported and unreported crime and and information on services and resources available to those who have applied for an Intervention Order. assist them to overcome the violence and abuse that they have experienced. South Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault 1 Dandenong Street, Gambling Support Dandenong South VIC 3175 Gamblers Help Southern Phone: 9928 8741 (Admin) Cranbourne Intergrated Care Centre 140-150 Sladen St Email: [email protected] Cranbourne 3977 www.secasa.com.au www.secasayouth.com.au (03) 9594 2289 - Crisis Line - 24 hours Cardinia Casey Community Health Service 1800 806 292 - Toll free crisis line 28 Parkhill Drive Berwick 3806 Cranbourne Service Counselling Line - Phone: 1800 858 858 - 7 days a week located at Cranbourne Information & Support Service www.gamblershelpsouthern.org.au Phone: 5996 3333 Intake Worker - Phone: 9575 5353 156 Sladen Street 24 hour telephone counselling service for gamblers and Cranbourne 3977 their families. Counselling can be on a one to one Provides a 24 hour crisis medical and counselling support basis, with a friend or partner, or in a group. for all victims of sexual assault. Support groups Gamblers Anonymous and an after hours service for victims of family violence PO Box 191, Moorabbin 3189 are also available. Phone: 9696 6108 Email: [email protected] Domestic Violence Resource Centre Provides group therapy sessions for people experiencing 52 Cardigan St, problems with gambling. Social functions are also held Carlton VIC 3053 on an irregular basis. There are 37 meeting places in Phone: 8346 5200 Victoria, call to find out where the nearest venue to you is. After Hours: 1800 737 732 This service is free of charge. www.dvrcv.org.au Gambling Help Online Provides support and information services to people who Phone: 1800 858 858 have suffered abuse within a relationship, survivors of www.responsiblegambling.vic.gov.au childhood sexual abuse, witnesses of family violence, 24-hour multilingual telephone counselling referral parents who experience violence from their adult or and information service, for those affected by problem teenage children and those concerned about a family gambling behaviour. member or friend who is experiencing violence. www.gamblinghelponline.org.au No To Violence - Fermerly Mens Referral Service Self help resources or chat to us online. Richmond 3121 Phone: 9428 2899 1300 766 491 www.mrs.org.au This Men’s Referral Service is a state wide telephone counselling, information and referral service for men who have been violent or abusive towards members of their family. No To Violence is a central point of contact for men who are making their first moves towards taking responsibility for their violent or abusive behaviour, but do not know how or where to go for help.

LOW INCOME GUIDE 37 WELFARE & GENERAL SUPPORT SERVICES

Emergency Relief Services include; • Emergency Relief – food parcels and relief, furniture, Cranbourne Information & Support Service household goods and clothing. 156 Sladen Street • Counselling – Family, personal and youth Cranbourne 3977 • Shower facilities also available. P.O. Box 5263 All services are free and the service is open from Cranbourne 3977 9.30am to 3.00pm Monday to Friday. Phone: 5996 3333 Close for lunch: 12.45pm – 1.30pm Email: [email protected] www.cranbourneiss.org.au Salvation Army (Dandenong & Doveton) Refer Page 1 Shop 6 and 7, 147-151 Foster Street Dandenong 3175 Casey North Community Information & Phone: 9794 3500 Support Service The Salvation Army has consolidated the two centres to Suite 2, 30-32 Verdun Dve the above address, servicing residents of Doveton and Narre Warren VIC 3805 Dandenong, however assistance is provided to people Phone: 9705 6699 outside the area in crisis situations. Email: [email protected] Services include: www.caseynorthciss.com.au • Emergency Relief (Food & Food vouchers) Refer Page 1 • Material aid (clothes) • Budgeting assistance, Counselling, Family support. St Vincent de Paul Society All services are free and the centre is open Monday to Phone: 1800 305 330 - Free call Friday, 9.30am to 3.30pm. A support agency for the local community. Services Limited Services at Doveton Centre. include, material aid, friendly visiting to aged people 1a Frawley Road, Doveton. living alone and hospital visiting. Phone 9794 3500 for appointment To access the material aid service people should call the Cranbourne centre to arrange for a worker to visit them in 4C’S Cardinia Combined Churches Caring their home. 5/114 Princes Highway (behind La Porchetta’s) Salvation Army Berwick Pakenham 3810 Cnr. Parkhill Drive & Ernst Wanke Rd, Phone: 5941 2268 Berwick 3806 Email: [email protected] Phone: 9704 1940 www.the4cs.org.au Limited emergency relief services, but they may be able to Provides assistance to residents of Shire of Cardinia, assist with vouchers for their Salvos shops (furniture) and including emergency relief. access to white goods. Appointments need to be made Hours: Tue, Wed & Fri 10.00am to 3.00pm for interview. Berwick Church of Christ Food Pantry Andrews Centre 432-446 Centre Road, Berwick Phone: 9702 1011 2-6 Hanna Drive Endeavour Hills 3802 Food Pantry is open on Tuesdays 10.30-2.00 A referral is required from Casey North CISS or Phone: 97004944 Cranbourne ISS. A support agency for the local community. Services Some clothing also available for adults and children. include material aid, counselling, and various community courses. Counselling fee applies, charges for courses are Free Meals varied. St Vincent de Paul - Soup Van Salvation Army (Cranbourne) Operates: Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday Community Support Services 6.10 - 6.20 - Narre Warren Railway station (near Bus stop) 1 New Holland Drive, Cranbourne 3977 7.00 - 7.30 - Hampton Park Shopping Centre Phone: 5995 0133 (Somerville Rd. bus stop) Provides a crisis support service for local residents. 8.10 - 8.30 Lyall St, Cranbourne Bus Stop (nearWestpac)

38 LOW INCOME GUIDE Cranbourne Regional Uniting Care - Food Hours: Emergency Food - Friday 10.00am - 2.30pm. Truck Community Brunch - every Friday 10.00am - 11.30am Operates Mon, Wed & Sat 6.30pm – 8.30pm during school terms CRANBOURNE in Lyall St, in carpark opposite Westpac Community Lunch - First Friday of the month 12.30 - 2pm Operates Fridays 6.30pm – 8.30pm in CRANBOURNE Cornerstone Kids Early Education Centre, 133a Duff St., (opp Coles 139 David St, Dandenong 3175 loading bay). Phone: 0481 186 323 www.cornerstonecentre.com.au Transit A drop-in place to many in our community who are Narre Warren Christian Church experiencing hardship and are in need of extra support. 4, 5-3 Webb Street, Narre Warren (opposite Ritchies) Breakfast & lunch available Wed & Fri 9.00am-12.30pm Phone: 9796 8966, 0438 398 594 Food parcel available. Evening meal available on 3rd Sit down meal and groceries available Thursday of the month. Orange sky laundry. Some A donation (suggestion $5) towards food support is clothing available. requested if guests can afford it. If they cannot afford it, All services are free of charge to residents of the City of they are still welcome and able to collect food. Casey and City of Greater Dandenong. Monday night 4.00pm - 6.00pm (meal) Doveton Neighbourhood Learning Centre Some groceries provided 34 Oak Ave, Doveton Wednesdays 10.00am - 2.00pm (meal) Phone: 9791 1449 Some groceries provided Email: [email protected] Thursday 2.00pm - 4.00pm ‘Manna for Life’ - Free Meal - Tues. 6.30-9.30pm groceries for families only Food support from the bank:- Mon, Wed, Thurs & Fri 9.30am-2.00pm Hampton Park Uniting Church Showers for the homeless - take own towel 1 Coral Dve, Hampton Park 3976 Orange laundry for the homeless Phone: 9799 7994. Provide free lunches (2 courses) every Thursday, no Casey City Church: Saturday Night Life eligibility restrictions. 426 Princes Hwy Narre Warren 3805 11am pre lunch cuppa and chat – 12.30pm lunch Phone John: 8790 2917 Hampton Park Uniting Place Free meal, clothing, shower, haircuts and good music. Old time sit around the fire for a chat. Cnr Hallam Rd and Coral Dve Held on the second Saturday of every month (December - Phone: 9799 7994 the 1st Sat) 7pm to 10pm A gathering place for community connection. People of all abilities come together to grow vegetables Other Support Services and herbs and get to know each other. Thursday 10am - 2pm Beyond Blue 3rd Saturday of the month 9am - 1pm Infoline: 1300 224 636 TTY: 133 677 Timbarra Community Soup Kitchen 27 Parkhill Drive, Berwick 3805 Email: [email protected] www.beyondblue.org.au Meals once a month. Served from 5.30pm – 7.30pm It can be hard to know whether you or someone you Phone: 9796 1970 for next date. know needs help with depression, anxiety or related Winepress – Basecamp disorders. Beyond Blue is a support and information. 40 Intrepid Street, Berwick service with comprehensive information and support available. Phone: 0409 190 537- (Mick) Free Meal - 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month Lifeline – Melbourne Time: 6.30pm Wesley Central Mission Turning Point Support Centre Phone: 13 1114 Counselling 1785 South Gippsland Hwy, Cranbourne 3977 1800 551 800 Kids Help Phone: 5996 3048 www.lifeline.org.au Offers material aid (food only) in emergency. Crisis telephone counselling service available 24 hours, Support and Counselling. 7 days per week. Services also include information and

LOW INCOME GUIDE 39 referral by trained volunteers, specialisation in suicide Phone: 03 9654 2600 prevention. Counselling is also available for people who • Southern Cross Station – Phone: 03 9670 2072 are bereaved by suicide. • Flinders Street Station – Phone: 03 9610 2030 Assists people with disabilities. Staff assistance with Legacy Melbourne meals, toilet, travel difficulties and communication. 293 Swanston Street, Melbourne 3000 Wheelchair recharging facilities, free internet access, Phone: 8626 0500 visitor and transport information. 6 Birch Avenue, Dandenong North 3175 Emergency Relief Assistance at Southern Cross station. Phone: 9701 1058 Phone: 9670 2873 Email: offi[email protected] Dress for Success www.legacy.com.au/melbourne 25-27 Ross Smith Ave East, Frankston Cranbourne Legacy Widows Club – Mrs Shirley Pearse A free dressing and support service for women and Phone: 5996 2825 school leavers to help them build their job readiness and Legacy is dedicated to caring for the families of interview skills and enable them to dress in stylish outfits deceased veterans. for interviews. Hours: Mon-Thur 10.00am to 3.00pm Programs aim to support the protection of individuals and families basic needs; advocate for their entitlements, Phone: 9770 0220 rights and benefits; assist families through bereavement; www.morningtonpeninsula.dressforsuccess.org and helping people thrive, despite their adversity and loss. ANGLICARE Child FIRST and Family Solutions Carry On (Victoria) 60-64 Wells Street, Frankston 3199 8th Floor, 1 Elizabeth Street Phone: 9781 6700 Melbourne 3000 This service supports vulnerable children and families with P.O. Box 39, Flinders Lane complex needs. Melbourne 8009 State Schools Relief Phone: 9629 2648 PO Box 59 Welfare services provided to ex service men and women Moorabbin 3189 from war zones, including World Wars 1 and 2, Korea, Phone: 8769 8400 Vietnam, Malaysia and peace keeping operations. Also www.ssr.net.au available to wives, widows and children that are not Provides clothing and footwear to disadvantaged eligible for legacy. children, attending Victorian Government Primary and Secondary schools. Travellers’ Aid Australia • City Village The Committee does not respond to direct requests from Level 3, 225 Bourke Street, Melbourne 3000 parents, but to the school Principal who acts as the school based representative of the Committee. Phone: 03 9654 2600 Assistance may be in the form of clothing or footwear Travellers Aid Access Service 03 9654 7690 from the Committee’s own supply, or by authorisation Email: [email protected] from a school shop or nominated supplier. www.travellersaid.org.au • Flinders Street Station Gay & Lesbian Support Main Concourse, Flinders Street, Melbourne 3000 Phone: 03 9610 2030 Switchboard (Vic) Inc. Email: [email protected] Phone: 9663 2474 (Admin) 1800 184 527 Toll free outside Metro area - QLife Aus • Southern Cross Station 99 Spencer Street, Docklands VIC 3008 www.switchboard.org.au Webchat: www.qlife.org.au Phone: 03 9670 2072 Email: [email protected] Free telephone counselling. Information and referral Assists travellers and helps them reach their destination service for gay men, lesbians and others. safely and confidently. Offers a quiet space and 5.30pm – 10.30pm 7 days amenities, transport information, internet access and luggage storage. Victorian AIDS Council and Gay Men’s Health Centre Access Service (TAAS) Support services – See page 25

40 LOW INCOME GUIDE YOUTH SERVICES

City of Casey – Youth Services Try Australia - TryBuild Project Magid Dve, Narre Warren 3805 Phone: 8545 9500 PO Box 1000 – Narre Warren 3805 Email: [email protected] Phone: 9705 5200 www.trybuild.org.au Services for young people between 10 – 25 years. The Program provides young, unemployed people with Young people and families can access the service in hands-on training for a Certificate 1 in Building with relation to family conflict, self destructive behaviours, line-of-sight to a job. It provides young people from the relationships, education, legal issues and sexuality. south-east corridor with the opportunity to learn key trade The Youth Support Program is a confidential, generalist skills in building and carpentry and provides supportive youth service. The program provides short to medium mentoring to assist the participants build their confidence term counselling and referral to young people and their and life skills. families. Uniting Connections Personal Development – programs, workshops and Narre Warren Office – Phone: 9704 8377 activities for groups. Recreation Worker &.Family Liaison Support Service available Cranbourne Office – Phone: 5990 8400 www.connections.org.au Youth Information Centres – locations [email protected] Casey Youth Hub 52 Webb Street, Narre Warren Services: Programs include Hours: 1.30pm - 5.30pm Mon-Fri. • South East Family Service (SEFS) • Child FIRST Youth Activies, Counselling, Information • Finding Solutions • Reconnect • Clean Slate Phone: 9792 7330 • Learning for Life • School Focused Youth Services • Dandenong Secondary School Program Cranbourne Youth Information Centre • Child-centred, Consultancy, Assessment, Therapy and Shop 156, Cranbourne Park S/C, Cranbourne 3977 Training Services (CCATTS) Next to City of Casey Customer Service Area Served: Cardinia, Casey, Dandenong Phone: 9792 7350 - Mon - Fri 9.30am - 5pm Hours: Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm - No charge Hampton Park Youth Info Centre 22-26 Stuart Ave, Hampton Park 3976 Headspace (Next to the Hampton Park Library) 66 Victor Crescent, Narre Warren 3805 Phone: 9702 9510 Phone: 1800 367 968 Monday to Friday 1.30pm – 5.30pm www.headspace.org.au Casey 360 Headspace is a youth health service for 12 - 25 yrs • Mobile youth information centre people. • Various locations. • Mental Health Issues Phone: 9705 5200 • General Physical Health • Sexual Health and Sexuality Issues Youth Employment Scheme www.jobs.vic.gov.au/about-jobs-victoria/youth- • Family and Relationship Issues employment-scheme • Alcohol and Drug Issues The Youth Employment Scheme (YES) offers young people • Work, Study and School Issues aged 15 to 24 an opportunity to work in the Victorian L2P Learner Driver Program Public Service (VPS) or an agency of government for Phone: 9705 5200 12 months while studying for a Certificate III or IV qualification. Priority given to young people who have www.casey.vic.gov.au - to check criteria left school without completing year 12. Other eligibility This is a City of Casey Program to assist Learner Drivers requirements. under 21, without appropriate family support to manage Kids Help Line their required hours of driving. 1800 551 800 Mental Health www.kidshelp.com.au www.youthbeyondblue.com Provides free, anonymous and confidential telephone Beyond Blue strategies to assist young people who may counselling for children from 5 to 25 years, 24 hours a have concerns or questions about mental health. day, 7 days a week. Web counselling: Monday – Friday 3.00pm – 9.00pm Sat – Sunday 10.00am – 8.00pm

LOW INCOME GUIDE 41 OTHER SERVICES

Collective of Self Help Groups Hire for Baby Level 3 / Room 6 - 247 Flinders Lane Phone: 9018 5060 / 0422 095 889 Melbourne 3000 Email: [email protected] Phone: 9650 2005 Baby equipment and hire service, accredited restraint fitter. Email: [email protected] Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty www.coshg.org.au to Animals (Victoria) Inc RSPCA COSHG is a network of self help and social action 3 Burwood Highway groups. These groups are made up of and controlled by Burwood East 3151 people who are directly affected by a particular issue. Phone: 9224 2222 Self Help Groups are groups of people who get together www.rspcavic.org with others ‘in the same boat’ to support each other, Local Branch: RSPCA Peninsula share experiences and knowledge, and work together to 1030 Robinsons Rd, Pearcedale 3912 improve their quality of life. Phone: 5978 9000 For more information phone, email or ask for the Vet Clinic: 5978 6722 Directory at your local library or Community Information Provides a range of service for animals. There is also a Service. veterinary clinic that is available to the public for private Lort Smith Animal Hospital consultation and costs for treatment are charged at 24 Villiers Street, North Melbourne 3051 reasonable rates. Phone: 9328 3021 Australian Animal Protection Society www.lortsmith.com - Keysborough Animal Shelter Phone: 9798 8415 Provides discount veterinary services for pensioners. Provides care for pets while owners receives care or can- Fax: 9769 0317 not take care of pet temporarily due to homelessness, etc. Vet Clinic - 9701 5785 (temporary closure) Open to Public - Cares for dogs, cats and other animals. Tax Help Program provided by the ATO to assist low income Airport Buses earners to complete their tax returns FREE. The program Sky Bus operates 24 hours a day between the Airport runs between July and October. and the city centre. Also services Frankston and the For information, phone: Mornington Peninsula. - (Extra Cost). The service runs approximately every 10 minutes at a cost of $18 one Casey North CISS 9705 6699 way, $36 return and $9.00 children. Cranbourne ISS 5996 3333 Phone: 1300 759 287 Eligibility criteria applies and includes taxable income Up to $50,000. www.skybus.com.au Suburban buses: Workventures Connect It Dandenong Area: covers - Cranbourne, Berwick, Phone: 1800 112 205 Narre Warren, Hallam, Endeavour Hills & Dandenong www.shop.workventures.com.au Phone: 9782 6766 Turns corporate-grade personal computers and equipment www.airportbusdandenong.com.au into affordable and reliable systems for low-income households, schools and non-profit organisations. Costs apply.

Laundry Service for the Homeless (Free) Orange Sky Mobile Laundry Bus is available at Transit, Factory 4, 3 Webb Street, Narre Warren On Mondays - 4.30pm - 7.30pm 133 Duff Street, Cranbourne West On Fridays - 6.30pm - 8.30pm

42 LOW INCOME GUIDE THINGS TO DO

Bunjil Place Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren 3805 1000 Ballarto Road, Cranbourne 3977 www.bunjilplace.com.au Phone: 5990 2200 Library www.rbg.vic.gov.au Café The Botanical Gardens are situated in the last remnant Theatre of natural bushland in the Cranbourne area. Tea tree Function Centre heathland, swamps and sedgelands, wet heathland, Gallery forming a bushland conservation area, home to a great diversity of plants, native animals, birds and reptiles, Casey Aquatic & Recreation Centre (ARC) including several rare and threatened species. Walking 340-350 Princes Highway, Narre Warren tracks, some suitable for wheelchairs, with assistance. Trig Phone: 9705 5000 Point Lookout, with 360 degree view across south eastern Victoria. • 50 metre pool • wave pool (with a beach!) Open 9.00 - 5.00pm daily (Free entry). • toddlers’ pool Charges apply to guided tours,Australian garden is free. • learn-to-swim pool • gymnasium Friends of the Royal Botanic Gardens, • aerobics Cranbourne • spa and steam room 1000 Ballarto Road, Cranbourne 3977 • sports medicine clinic} Phone: 5990 2200 • creche The Friends support and assist in every way possible Leisure centres provide activities for all age groups, the work of developing the Gardens. They encourage contact your nearest centre for details of current programs community awareness and use of the scientific, and cost. educational, cultural features and facilities of the Gardens. They work to conserve, protect and foster the Berwick Leisure Centre YMCA Gardens. 79 Manuka Road,Berwick 3806 Activities include propagation of native plants, talks, Phone: 9707 3371 walks, family barbecues and picnic lunches, night walks.

Endeavour Hills Leisure Centre YMCA Wilson Botanic Park Berwick Raymond McMahon Boulevard, Endeavour Hills 3802 Princes Highway, Berwick 3806 P.O. Box 352 Phone: 9707 5818 Endeavour Hills 3802 www.wilsonbotanicpark.com.au Phone: 9213 1400 www.ehlc.ymca.org.au Beautiful Gardens, Native & Exotic Plants, Play ground, Picnic areas & Barbecues, Interesting Walks, and much RACE (Casey Recreation and Aquatic Centre) more. – Cranbourne 65 Berwick-Cranbourne Rd, Cranbourne 3977 Hallam Valley Trail Phone: 5990 8600 A 10km pedestrian and cycle path that meanders through Email: [email protected] The Hallam Creek valley. Suitable for all abilities. Offers a wide range of either water based or land based. Several access points. Including: water based classes, exercise classes and other See at www.casey.vic.gov.au health and wellbeing activities.

Doveton Pool In The Park YMCA 64 Tristania Street, Doveton 3177 Phone: 9791 8346

LOW INCOME GUIDE 43 City of Casey Events: • Animal display centre www.casey.vic.gov.au/arts-leisure/calendar-of-events • Pony rides • Talking Cockie Show Casey Cardinia Libraries • Wetlands nature walk Many events from Creativity, Food, Lifestyle/Wellness & • Train rides & Play equipment Technology for Adults and Children. Mostly free. • Barbecues and much more. www.cclc.vic.gov.au/events Open 10am-4pm every day of the year. Costs apply.

Moonlit Sanctuary Parks Victoria 550 Tyabb-Tooradin Road, Pearcedale 3912 Level 10, 535 Bourke Street, Phone: 5978 7935 Melbourne 3000 www.moonlitsanctuary.com.au Phone: 9650 9420 www.parkweb.vic.gov.au This conservation park invites you to explore 10ha of bushland, meeting endangered species, feeding Manages Victoria’s national, state, marine, regional and kangaroos and wallabies, petting koalas and enjoying metropolitan parks, conservation reserves, bays and colourful birds, reptiles, dingos and many other animals. major waterways, historical properties and cultural assets. A series of guides and maps are available for free. The Old Cheese Factory Art Gallery & Craft Centre Half Tix 34 Homestead Road, Berwick 3806 Melbourne Town Hall Phone: 9702 1919 Swanston Street, Melbourne 3000 Open 10am – 4pm daily. There is no cost to visit the Phone: 9650 9420 for daily listings. centre. Children’s playground, barbecue facilities, and This agency provides a selection of tickets to the theatre, other attractions. opera, ballet and concerts for half their normal price. Tickets are sold for cash only and are only available on Berwick Artists Society the day of the performance. Old Cheese Factory It is open: Homestead Road, Berwick 3806 Monday 10am to 2pm P.O. Box 496 Tues, Wed, Thurs 11am to 6pm; Berwick 3806 Friday 11am to 6:30pm; Email: [email protected] Saturday 10am to 4pm. Workshops and demonstrations, paint outs, exhibition, www.halftixmelbourne.com etc. Library books and videos. Regular meetings and A cost efficient way of seeing a show in town. groups, some classes on Thursday 10am - 12.45pm. Visitors welcome. Small fee charged. Lysterfield Lake Park Membership $35 per annum, $5 for students, families Horswood Road $50 per annum. Casual fee available to visitors. Lysterfield 3156 Call for further information. Phone: 13 19 63 www.parkweb.vic.gov.au Berwick Amateur Theatre Society Swimming, boating, mountain bike trails, and picnic The Factory areas. New Holland Drive, Cranbourne 3977 1001 Steps - Bayview Park Phone: 0422 096 768 Email: [email protected] 188T Quarry Road, Narre Warren 3805 Productions, workshops and social activities for people Fresh air and exercise with a superb view at the top. Parking available. with an interest in acting and theatre. Myuna Farm 182 Kidds Road, Doveton 3177 Phone: 9706 9944 A public community farm providing access to farm animals and demonstrations of farm life.

44 LOW INCOME GUIDE McClelland Gallery & Sculpture Park 390 McClelland Drive, Langwarrin www.mcclellandgallery.com Closed on Mondays Beautiful grounds with many large sculptures, picnic areas or café available. Free entry to the park (donation if desired). Presentation Family Holidays 122 Balnarring Beach Road Balnarring 3926 Phone: 5983 1819 Email: [email protected] www.presentationfamilycentre.org.au Myuna Farm Managed by the Presentation Sisters (Catholic Social Services) Provides low cost holiday accommodation (self contained) for families, individuals and community groups who for financial or other reasons cannot access other Pearcedale Skatepark holiday venues. Pearcedale Recreation Reserve

Baxter-Tooradin Road The National Gallery of Victoria 180 St Kilda Road Endeavour Hills Skate Park Melbourne 3000 Raymond McMahon Boulevard Endeavour Hills The Ian Potter Centre: (behind Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre) – Free. NGV Australia Federation Square Hampton Park Skate Park Cnr Russell & Flinders Streets Cairns Road Recreation Reserve. Phone: 8620 2222 General Enquiries Buchanan Skate Park Cnr Clyde Road and Buchanan Road www.ngv.vic.gov.au Berwick.

Entrance to the Gallery is free and there are also free Merinda Park Skate Park guided tours. However, from time to time various Endeavour Drive exhibitions do attract an entrance fee. Cranbourne North Village Cinemas Kidz Flix Narre Warren - Ray Bastin Reserve Children’s movies from 9.30am on Saturday and Sunday Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road (Cnr Norfolk Drive) Narre Warren. for $5. Adult tickets at kids prices. Look for orange icons at session times. Ray Perry Skate Park Seniors Friday Cnr Brunt Street and South Gippsland Highway Cranbourne. $8 for selected screenings each Friday morning. The Shed – Skatepark Casey Skateparks New Holland Drive Cranbourne Tooradin Skatepark Enter via 65 Berwick - Cranbourne Road Tooradin Recreation Reserve South Gippsland Highway Tooradin Outdoor Street Skate area. Free

LOW INCOME GUIDE 45 Casey Playgrounds Join your local library For further information about the numerous Community Berwick Mechanics Institute & Free Library playgrounds and supported playgroups, contact the 15 High Street Playgroup Development Officer at the City of Casey. Berwick 3806 Phone: 9707 3519 Phone: 9705 5200 Email: [email protected] Casey-Cardinia Library Corporation Headquarters Locked Bag 2400 Banjo Patterson Park Cranbourne 3977 Patterson Drive Lynbrook Phone: 5990 0100 www.cclc.vic.gov.au Bike Around Australia Bike Track and Playground Cranbourne Library, Berwick Cranbourne Road Buchanan Park Phone: 5990 0150 Berwick Clyde Road Doveton Library Berwick 28 Autumn Place, Doveton 3177 Phone: 9792 9497 Casey Regional Playground, Ray Bastin Reserve Endeavour Hills Library Cnr Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road and Norfolk Drive Raymond McMahon Boulevard Narre Warren Endeavour Hills 3802 Phone: 8782 3400 Livvi’s Place Playground Reserve 251 Boland Drive, Lyndhurst. Hampton Park Library Fully accessible playground for children of all abilities. 22-26 Stuart Avenue, Hampton Park 3976 Phone: 8788 8500 Includes a liberty swing, which can hold a wheelchair and carer. Needs a key, this is available for loan from the Narre Warren Library City of Casey. Bunjil Place, Narre Warren 3805 Phone: 8782 3300 Lawson Poole Reserve Pakenham Library Lesdon Avenue John Street, Pakenham 3810 Cranbourne Phone: 5940 6200

Toy Libraries • Free Membership - Open up to 7 days a week. • Free Wi-Fi and computers with internet access Toy libraries provide an opportunity to borrow toys and then change them over as they ultimately lose their • Home Library Service, large and regular print, appeal. talking books and picture books. Magazines and online resources to read or download! • DVDs, CDs, CD-ROMS and eAudiobooks Berwick Toy Library Inc Timbarra Community Centre • Information in basic English, Chinese, Italian, 27 Parkhill Drive, Sinhalese and access to other languages; trace your Berwick 3806 family tree or discover treasures with Local History. Phone: 0404 089 854 • Yourtutor - Free online homework help. • Storytimes, reading clubs and activities to enrich your Cranbourne & District Toy Library child’s imagination located at Cranbourne library • Seminars. Book Chats and resources for your lifelong Cranbourne 3977 learning. Find out what’s happening in our monthly Phone: 5990 0900 e-newsletter. Email: [email protected] • Lynda.com - An online training portal with 6,000 courses

46 LOW INCOME GUIDE VOLUNTEERING

Volunteering is a valuable and worthwhile contribution to WRESACARE your community. If you have time to volunteer for any CITY OF CASEY purpose you could contact your local Volunteer Resource VOLUNTEER MATCHING SERVICE Service. Many of the services listed in this agency also www.casey.vic.gov.au/volunteers need volunteers to help provide community programs including the following: Phone: 9705 5200

Andrews Centre The City of Casey Volunteer Matching Service is a web-based and fully automated program that has been Anti Cancer Council developed for both volunteers and local volunteer groups Australian Animal Protection Society as an easy to use service. Australian Red Cross Australian Red Cross - Been around before store Volunteers can quickly and easily register their details Beyondblue through the City of Casey website and these details are BIALA (Windermere) then sent to registered volunteer Organisations that require volunteers with similar skills Carry On Caroline Chisholm Society SOUTH EAST VOLUNTEERS Casey Cardinia Library Service Head Office 5 Myrtle Street, Casey North Community Information & Support Service Glen Waverley 3150 City of Casey Combined Pensioners Victoria Phone: 9562 0414 Community Centres Email: [email protected] Cornerstone www.sev.org.au Cranbourne Information & Support Service Assistance to people to find volunteer work Gay & Lesbian Switchboard (Vic) Outreach Service at CNCISS Grow Suite 2, 30-32 Verdun Dve, Narre Warren JobWatch The Bridge Inc. Legacy Victoria Life Line L2P Learner Driver Program Mind Australia Monash Community Health Service Monash Health Myuna Farm Opportunity Shops Oz Child Palliative Care South East Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute Royal Botanical Gardens RSPCA Salvation Army Society of St Vincent de Paul Southern Migrant & Refugee Centre Step families Victoria Travellers Aid U3A (University of Third Age) Victims Referral & Assistance Service Victoria AIDS Council Weavers - Support for Carers program WIRE Womens Information Wellsprings - for Women

LOW INCOME GUIDE 47 LOCAL POLITICIANS Your Local Parliamentary Representatives

Federal Parliamentary State Parliamentary Representatives Representatives

Member For Aston Members of the Legislative The Hon. Alan Tudge Assembly Suite 4, Level 1, 420 Burwood Highway Member for Narre Warren North Wantirna South 3152 Mr Luke Donnellan Shop 101, Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre, Phone: 9887 3890 Cnr Heatherton Rd and Matthew Flinders Ave, Member For Bruce Endeavour Hills 3802 Julian Hill MP Phone: 9706 0566 45 Robinson Street Dandenong 3175 Member for Keysborough Phone: 9791 7770 Mr Martin Pakula Suite 3, 387-389 Springvale Rd Member For Flinders Springvale 3171 The Hon. Greg Hunt Phone: 9547 6262 PO Box 647 Sommerville 3912 Member for Gembrook Mr Brad Battin Unit 1/49 Eramosa Road Suite 3, 445 Princes Highway Sommerville 3912 Officer 3809 Phone: 5977 9515 Phone: 9796 1987 Member For Holt Member for Dandenong The Hon. Anthony Byrne Ms Gabrielle Williams Shop 2B 8-10 Overland Drive 8/10 Halpin Way Fountain Gate 3805 Dandenong 3175 Phone: 9796 7533 Phone: 9793 2000 Member For LaTrobe Member for Cranbourne Mr Jason Wood MP Ms Pauline Richards Unit 3/16 Langmore Lane 157A Sladen St Berwick 3806 Cranbourne 3977 Phone: 9768 9164 Phone: 5996 2901 Member For Monash Member for Narre Warren South Russell Broadbent MP Mr Gary Maas 45c Albert Street Suite 4/418 Princes Hwy Warragul 3820 Narre Warren 3805 Phone: 5623 2064 Phone: 9704 6055 Member for Bass Ms Jordan Crugnale 9 McBride Avenue Wonthaggi 3995 Phone: 5672 4755

48 LOW INCOME GUIDE Members of the Legislative Local Government Council - Regions Representatives

South Eastern Metropolitan Local Government Representatives The postal address for every councillor is The Hon. Adem Kubilay Somyurek PO Box 1000, Narre Warren VIC 3805. Unit 2/24 Langhorne Street, Dandenong 3175 Phone: 9794 0699 Balla Balla Ward - 1 councillor Cr Geoff Ablett The Hon Gordon Rich Phillips Mobile: 0429 004 347 1/31 Princes Highway, Dandenong 3175 Phone: 9794 7667 Edrington Ward - 2 councillors Cr Timothy Jackson Mr Gavin Wayne Jennings Mobile: 0400 043 523 517A Princes Highway, Noble Park Phone: 9548 5644 Cr Susan Serey Mobile: 0427 005 852 Eastern Victoria Four Oaks Ward - 2 councillors The Hon. Edward O’Donohue Cr Rosalie Crestani 51 James Street, Pakenham 3810 Mobile: 0429 004 301 P.O. Box 817 Pakenham 3810 Phone: 5941 1112 Cr Milla Gilic Mobile: 0427 438 478 The Hon. Jane Garrett Mayfield Ward - 2 councillors 1/23 James Street, Pakenham 3810 Cr Gary Rowe Phone: 5940 5010 Mobile: 0418 393 599 Cr Amanda Stapledon Mobile: 0418 116 089 River Gum Ward - 2 councillors Cr Damien Rosario Mobile: 0400 046 691 Cr Wayne Smith JP Mobile: 0417 389 039 Springfield Ward - 2 councillors Cr Sam Aziz Mobile: 0400 046 905 Cr Rex Flannery Mobile: 0405 954 876

LOW INCOME GUIDE 49 CASEY AT A GLANCE

Cranbourne/Hampton Park

City of Casey Merinda Park Learning & Community Centre Cranbourne Customer Service Centre 141-147 Endeavour Drive Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre Cranbourne 3977 Cranbourne 3977 Phone: 5996 9056 P.O.Box 1000 Email: [email protected] Narre Warren 3805 Phone: 9705 5200 Casey Cardinia Library Service Berwick-Cranbourne Road Cranbourne Information & Support Service Cranbourne 3977 156 Sladen Street Cranbourne 3977 Phone: 5990 0150 P.O. Box 5263 22-26 Stuart Avenue Cranbourne 3977 Hampton Park 3976 Phone: 5996 3333 Phone: 9702 9744 Email: [email protected] Books, videos, CDs, internet access and much more. www.cranbourneciss.org.au RACE (Casey Recreation and Aquatic Centre) Provides a wide range of community information and – Cranbourne support services 65 Berwick-Cranbourne Rd Salvation Army (Cranbourne) Cranbourne 3977 1 New Holland Drive Phone: 5990 8600 Cranbourne 3977 Email: [email protected] P.O. Box 987 Cranbourne 3977 Offers a wide range of either water based or land Phone: 5995 0133 based.Including: water based classes, exercise classes and other health and wellbeing activities. Provides crisis and support services. Cranbourne Integrated Care Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne Cranbourne 1000 Ballarto Road 140-154 Sladen Street Cranbourne 3977 Cranbourne 3977 Phone: 5990 2200 Phone: 5990 6789 www.rbg.vic.gov.au Cranbourne Community House The Botanic Gardens are situated in the last remnant of 49 Vale Park Crescent natural bushland in the Cranbourne area. Tea tree Cranbourne 3977 heath land, swamps and sedge lands, wet heath land, Phone: 5996 2941 forming a bushland conservation area, home to a great Hampton Park Community House diversity of plants, native animals, birds and reptiles, 16 - 20 Stuart Ave including several rare and threatened species. Hampton Park 3976 Walking tracks, some Phone: 9799 0708 suitable for wheelchairs, Casey Fields with assistance. Trig Point 165 Berwick-Cranbourne Road Lookout, with 360 degree Cranbourne East view across south eastern *ovals *tennis *netball *cricket *football Victoria. *criterium cycling track *walking trails *lakes for contact details visit www.casey.vic.gov.au Australian Garden (free) Guided tours (fee applies)

50 LOW INCOME GUIDE Doveton/Eumemmerring/Hallam Doveton Neighbourhood Learning Centre Myuna Farm 34 Oak Avenue 182 Kidds Road Doveton 3177 Doveton 3177 Phone: 9791 1449 Phone: 9706 9944 Email: [email protected] A public community farm providing access to farm animals and demonstrations of farm life. Casey Cardinia Library Open 10am-4pm every day of the year. Doveton Costs apply. 28 Autumn Place Doveton 3177 Doveton Pool In The Park YMCA Phone: 9792 9497 64 Tristania Street Doveton 3177 Books, videos, CDs, internet access and much more. Phone: 9791 8346 Hallam Community Learning Centre Mapleson House Casey Aboriginal Gathering Place 56 Kays Avenue Hallam 3803 20 Agonis Street Doveton 3177 Phone: 9703 1688 Phone: 9792 7378 A range of programs are being run for people of all ages. These reflect the current and future needs of the Aboriginal community.

LOW INCOME GUIDE 51 Coastal Villages Berwick & Farm belt area Berwick Neighbourhood Centre 112 High St Blind Bight Community Centre Berwick 3806 Anchorage Drive Blind Bight 3980 Phone: 9796 1970 Cardinia/Casey Community Health Service Phone: 5998 7014 28 Parkhill Drive Pearcedale Community Centre Berwick 3806 710 Baxter-Tooradin Road Phone: 8768 5141 Pearcedale 3912 Dental Services Phone: 8768 5100 Phone: 5978 6226 Berwick Mechanics Institute & Free Library 15 High Street Moonlit Sanctuary Berwick 3806 Wildlife Conservation Park Phone: 9707 3519 550 Tyabb-Tooradin Road Pearcedale 3912 Berwick Leisure Centre YMCA 79 Manuka Road Phone: 5978 7935 Berwick 3806 www.moonlitsanctuary.com.au Phone: 9707 3371 Australia’s Wildlife at Night Email: [email protected] Wildlife park where visitors meet endangered native Wilson Botanic Park Berwick nocturnal animals. Featuring a wide range of nocturnal Princes Highway animals as well as kangaroos, wallabies, emus, Berwick 3806 waterbirds and other native animals. Phone: 9707 5818 Tooradin Foreshore & Fishermans Cottage Beautiful Gardens, Native & Exotic Plants, Play ground, Off South Gippsland Highway Picnic areas & Barbecues, Interesting Walks, and much Phone: 5998 3643 more. Fisherman’s Cottage Museum is a historic property The Old Cheese Factory Art Gallery & Craft managed by the Cranbourne Shire Historical Society Centre owned by the City of Casey. The cottage also has a 34 Homestead Road display shed featuring fishing and farming equipment Berwick 3806 going back as far as the 1870’s. Phone: 9702 1919 *bbq *mangroves *wildlife *boardwalks Open 10am – 4pm daily. There is no cost to visit the *nature trails centre. Children’s playground, barbecue facilities, and other attractions. Open weekends and public holidays. Sweeney Reserve Bayles Fauna Park Golflinks Road 630 Kooweerup-Longwarry Road, Berwick 3806 Bayles 3981 *tennis *cricket *football * softball *netball *soccer Phone: 5997 1336 / 0409 385 573 Wildlife, birds, picnic areas, museum. Historical museum. PLAYGROUNDS Hours: 10.00am – 5.00pm - 7 days Pioneer Park Closed on total fire ban & extremely windy days. Cnr Peel Street and Lyall Road, Berwick *playground *cafe *heritage building *parklands

52 LOW INCOME GUIDE Endeavour Hills & around Narre Warren area Andrews Centre Casey North Community Information & 2-6 Hanna Drive Support Service Endeavour Hills 3802 Suite 2, 30-32 Verdun Dve, Narre Warren 3805 Phone: 97004944 Phone: 9705 6699 A support agency for the local community. Services Email: [email protected] include, material aid, counselling, and various community www.caseynorthciss.com.au courses. Provides a wide range of information and support Counselling at reduced rates. services to the local community. Charges for courses are varied.

Bunjil Place Endeavour Hills Uniting Care Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren 3805 Neighbourhood Centre www.bunjilplace.com.au 10 Raymond McMahon Blvd Library Endeavour Hills 3802 Café Phone: 9700 3789 Theatre Email: [email protected]. Function Centre Gallery Endeavour Hills Leisure Centre YMCA

Raymond McMahon Boulevard Foundation Learning Centre Endeavour Hills 3802 1 Malcolm Court, Narre Warren 3805 P.O. Box 352 Phone: 9704 7388 Endeavour Hills 3802 Email: enquiries@flc.vic.edu.au Phone: 9213 1400 www.ehlc.ymca.org.au Oakgrove Community Centre

Casey Cardinia Library Service 89-101 Oakgrove Drive, Narre Warren South 3805 Phone: 9704 2781 Endeavour Hills Library

Raymond McMahon Boulevard Casey Cardinia Library Service Endeavour Hills 3802 Phone: 8782 3400 Narre Warren Overland Drive, Narre Warren 3805

Phone: 8782 3300 Lysterfield Lake Park

Horsewood Road Casey Aquatic & Recreation Centre (ARC) Lysterfield Phone: 131963 340-350 Princes Highway, Narre Warren Phone: 9705 5000

State Mountain Bike Track • 50 metre pool • wave pool (with a beach!) Hallam North Road • toddlers’ pool Lysterfield South • learn-to-swim pool • gymnasium • aerobics • spa and steam room • sports medicine clinic • creche Leisure centres provide activities for all age groups, contact your nearest centre for details of current programs and cost.

LOW INCOME GUIDE 53 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Volunteers at Casey North Community Information & Support Service Volunteers at Cranbourne Information and Support Service The many community members who contribute ideas and information

54 LOW INCOME GUIDE INDEX

Budget Plan (Your Money Worksheet) 3 Caring for Yourself 8 Casey at a glance 50 City of Casey 9 Cleaning Hints 8 Community Centres 10 Complaints & Disputes 11 Credit 4 Cultural Specific 13 Disability 16 Drug & Alcohol 19 Economy Motoring 7 Education 20 Emergency Contact Numbers iv Employment 20 Environmental 43 Family Support 35 Free Internet Access 1 Gambling Support 37 Garage Sales 6 Gay & Lesbian Support 40 Grief & Loss 34 Health 24 Housing 27 Housing Crisis & Support 28 Housing Emergency 28 Home Ownership 30 Housing Public 27 Housing Rental 27 Income 20 Information & Support Services 1 Introduction ii Legal 31 Managing Your Money 2 Markets 6 Opportunity Shops 5 Other Services 42 Politicians 48 Recreational 43 Reducing Energy Costs in the Home 7 Seniors 32 Services for Men 34 Services for Women 33 Shopping 5 Support Services 34 Things to do 43 Trauma & Crime 36 Volunteering 47 Welfare & General Support Services 38 Youth Services 41

LOW INCOME GUIDE 55 Low Income Guide Update Form

Annual amendments and additions will be made to the guide each year to ensure that information is accurate and up to date.

If you would like to update the details of your organisation, or submit details for a new listing or new information that may be useful, please complete this form and return to:

Casey North Community Information & Support Service [email protected]

Alternatively information can be emailed to [email protected]

Name of Organisation:

Name of contact person:

Contact phone number:

Address:

Brief description of organisation or information for guide:

56 LOW INCOME GUIDE

URBAN PATHWAY HOME

The message stick is in the centre of the circle, it is normally sent out by an Aboriginal tribe as a passport to the country before contact. Aboriginal people have since the 1967 referendum, at government and council functions opened or welcomed people to the land and introduced Australian Aboriginal history to the people living in their country. The message stick symbolises this.

The circle symbolises the gathering of people (corroboree). This is a story of people coming to live in the City of Casey.

The paths painted with the nationalities, hand written by the people, tell the story of their culture and their past, coming together with the Aboriginal people.

The background painting of the animals and environment tell a story of a lost bushland taken over by the Urban sprawl, once the City of Casey, that can never be the same again.

The animals are getting ready for nightfall, the kangaroos running off into the bush, the insects, frogs, lizards and platypus hiding for the night. The black cockatoos flying off in the distance, as the brolgas nest in the wetlands and the blue wren finds his way home. The barn owl wakes up for the night, the possum hides in the tree.

The sky tells of a colourful stormy night approaching, of a family safe home beside the fire at the end of the day, with only the weekend insight. In the days before contact, Aboriginal people would have a camp on the river, a humpy with a campfire to light the night, (today it is a TV and central heating) with family and friends to tell stories of the day and the Dreamtime, songs and dance to finish the day. Now we go to Fountain Gate. A supermarket and chemist out the front door, a University and Bunnings out the back.

Not only do the Aboriginal Australians have a sad story but also so do many minority groups and countries. If each group told its story of being forced off their land, this would be a never-ending pathway of travel.

Story: The Urban Pathway Home by Annette Xiberras, Wurrundjuri Woman Front Cover Design: ‘Meeting of Many Paths’ Aboriginal Artist, Cathy Adams

Produced by Casey North Community Information & Support Service & Cranbourne Information & Support Service. i LOW INCOME GUIDE